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machines. During a three- he writes. This dire situa- of the new digitalised of the world population
month experiment when tion is commonly exploited world. The author also where mobile phones have
he disconnected with by vested interests. Hari presents solutions for become ubiquitous, un-
internet and all digital de- cites examples of politi- combating this threat. employment is rampant,
vices, he learned to live by cians blatantly using digi- He suggests collaborative illiteracy high, and poverty
the rhythm of the sun. By tal platforms to influence campaigns combining endemic.
inventing artificial light- Brexit, election outcomes individuals, family, neigh- For every man, woman
ing, man has extended (Trump and Bolsonaro), bourhood, society, and and youth drawn by the
daylight resulting in lesser and fake news to incite government regulation. allure of digital devices,
hours of sleep, and the wars between nations. Societies, individuals and this book is essential read-
healing and recuperative In this well-timed book, governments would do ing. Education institutions
benefits of sleep have been Hari provides irrefutable well to study, if not adopt, worldwide should include
canceled by stress-related evidence and corrobora- these suggestions for the it in their curriculum. For
ailments — diabetes, tive data that an impend- greater good. it is the young mind of
depression and prema- ing disaster is imminent. Unfortunately the today that will shape the
ture fatality. Children are Big tech is using digital focus of this volume is the future of tomorrow.
being confined to home media to churn out algo- Western world. There is Johann Hari calls on
and hearth because of rithms and gadgets that little in this book about the the world to face the chal-
“fear psychosis” and often prompt consumer addic- impact of the digital tidal lenge by quoting prescient
become hyperactive. tion to keep cash registers wave upon other countries American writer James
“When attention spans ringing. The battle is for and societies. Perhaps due Baldwin (1924-1987). “Not
break down, problem the eyeballs, minds and to a paucity of data. But everything that is faced
solving breaks down. We attention of consumers. Stolen Focus leaves little can be changed, but noth-
resort to quick solutions. Fortunately Stolen Fo- to the imagination about ing can be changed until it
We lose the ability to have cus goes beyond cataloging the catastrophic impact is faced.”
fully functional societies,” the ruinous consequences it can have on two-thirds ANIL THAKORE

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