Review by Choice Review
Rosen (California State) is a recognized expert in the "psychology of technology." As he did with the term "TechnoStress" in his 1997 book by the same name (coauthored with Michelle Weill), he has coined the term "iDisorder" to describe society's growing obsession with technology. Whether it will enter the popular lexicon is hard to say, but there is much about this book that is interesting and important, making it required reading for anyone who divides the day between various electronic devices. Rosen notes that those who routinely engage with devices can be suffering from mood/personality disorders as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR; 4th ed., 2000). He realizes that technology is a permanent part of daily life, but he promotes balance and moderation. In each chapter, he examines known psychological disorders and links them to technology-affected behaviors. Drawing on behavioral/neurological research, he illustrates why people display "disinhibition" when communicating from behind the "safety of our computer screens." Chapters conclude with basic advice on how to avoid iDisorder. Rosen writes with a wide readership in mind. Though he is not immune to occasional hyperbole or awkward phrasing, these occurrences are few/minor. Valuable for readers interested in their increasingly complex relationship with technology. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. J. A. Bullian Hillsborough Community College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Psychologist Rosen asserts that the Internet puts people at risk of developing "iDisorders"-a broad array of ills ranging from narcissism to obsessive-compulsive disorder to hyperchondria that, he contends, can be triggered by the overuse of technology. Rosen says he's not against technology, but concludes that "most people are being slowly pulled toward an obsessive iDisorder." Though the author presents plenty of anecdotes of shy people who spend a lot of time on social networking sites, narcissists who write and rewrite their social media profiles, or "cyberchondriacs" who scour the Web for evidence of their supposed medical conditions, he doesn't convincingly show that technology caused any underlying psychological problem. The book is full of data-but many are either obvious or have already been well-publicized: drivers who use handheld cellphones are more likely to get hurt in car crashes; some people sleep with an iPhone by their beds so they can read friends' status updates upon waking; people seek medical advice online because they don't want to wait for doctors' appointments. Unfortunately, Rosen isn't able to draw on the facts and figures to offer any new insight into how technology might be affecting us. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Rosen (psychology, California State Univ., Dominguez Hills; Rewired: Understanding the iGeneration and the Way They Learn) explores the consequences of modern technology and media-saturated culture, comparing the behavior current gadgets induce to symptoms of psychological disorders including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and addiction. Rosen theorizes that while the technology may not create a disorder outright, it replicates many of the symptoms and can exacerbate tendencies already present in an individual. Each chapter describes a specific disorder and how modern tech behavior mirrors it, presents relevant research, and, most helpfully, offers practical suggestions on how to alleviate the problem and protect psychological health. Professional assistance is recommended for help with serious problems, but anyone feeling a negative influence from technology will find assistance here. Consider this an update on Gary Small and Gigi Vorgan's 2009 iBrain: Surviving the Technological Alteration of the Modern Mind, which takes a similar approach. Verdict Rosen's ideas are thought-provoking, and the changes he suggests are realistic to implement. Very readable, the book strikes a balance between being accessible for the general reader yet remaining interesting and stimulating for those more familiar with the psychological field.-Rachel Hoover, Thomas Ford Memorial Lib., Western Springs, IL (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Rewired: Understanding the iGeneration and the Way They Learn, 2010, etc.) notes that many individuals now interact obsessively with technology, cannot be without their mobile devices and must use them during meals, for fear that they will miss something. This overreliance on gadgets and websites can lead to significant psychological problems, which the author calls an iDisorder. The new disorder combines elements of many psychiatric maladies and centers on our relationship technology. Much of his book consists of a discussion of common psychiatric disorders--e.g., communication disorders, ADHD, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, hypochondriasis, schizoaffective and schizotypal disorders, body dysmorphia, voyeurism and addiction) and the ways in which technology use either produces symptoms that match those of certain disorders or exacerbates already existing signs of a disorder. Often, the possible link between behavior and disorder is apparent: "all about me" rants on Facebook and narcissism, constant message-checking and obsessive-compulsive behavior, etc. Rosen draws on research, including his 2011 study of more than 750 individuals examining the level of a person's psychological health and use of technology. The study found younger people were often "very anxious" in checking text messages, while few older people became anxious about their technologies. While aspects of iDisorder may affect any technology user, Rosen shows it is those who make compulsive, unusually frequent use of mobile and other devices who are most prone to adverse effects. He offers checklists to determine how technology is affecting you, and suggests balance and moderation in using gadgets. A bit overstated, but a clear warning against becoming someone who brings a smartphone to the dinner table.]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
