My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open: How to Untangle Our Relationship with Tech

by Tanya Goodin

What are you willing to lose for a connected life? Digital detox expert Tanya Goodin explores the cost that our digital life inflicts on our offline existence, and offers a toolkit to anyone who has lost their way.

Whether you are dealing with a partner who is mindlessly scrolling rather than listening to you ( phubbing ), flooding social media with your child’s image ( sharenting ), or panicking whenever you misplace your phone ( nomophobia ), learn how to recognise and label harmful habits – both of yourself and others – and find actionable answers in this book .

The collision of our online and offline worlds has left us more dependent on technology than ever before, and even more desperate to log off.  My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open is your key to finding digital balance and addressing strange new social norms.

Complete with diagnostic guides to tell-tale signs and a manifesto for improved digital citizenship , this habit-improving bible offers the conversation-starting vocabulary we so desperately need to understand and untangle our relationship with technology for a more humane world.

Among the scenarios included
Both a wake-up call and a user’s guide, My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open is your key to finding digital balance.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Science, Technology, Psychology, Audiobook, Education

224 pages, Hardcover

Published November 9, 2021

About the author

Tanya Goodin is the author of 'The Teenage Guide to Digital Wellbeing’, ‘My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open', 'Off' and 'Stop Staring at Screens'; host of the 'It's Complicated' podcast, an award-winning digital entrepreneur and founder of digital wellbeing movement Time To Log Off.

A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in London, twice a finalist for the Entrepreneur of the Year award, and for the Blackberry Outstanding Women in Technology award, Tanya was the founder of one of the first digital businesses in the UK and a pioneer in the digital revolution. Tanya is a regular public speaker and media commentator on our relationship with technology - helping a global audience forge a healthier, happier relationship with digital devices.

Tanya is a graduate of the University of Oxford and completing her Masters in artificial intelligence (AI) ethics at the University of Cambridge. Connect with Tanya on X or Threads @tanyagoodin or via her website www.tanyagoodin.com

Reviews

[Alana Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a society, our relationship with technology really is getting quite out of control. It’s normal to have your phone next to you at all times. It’s normal to spend hours on it each day.
There are no regulations to govern our usage.
Many of us know on some level that we have an addiction. Whether it’s an impulse to constantly check our phone for notifications or finding yourself absent-mindedly scrolling through Instagram or TikTok.

If you want to change your relationship with tech, this book is a good choice - it is accessible and easy to consume. Split into three sections: loving, living and learning, the book briefly covers all the major technology dilemmas/issues confronting us in the modern world. Published in 2021, it also references the challenges that the pandemic threw at us in terms of technology (zoom fatigue among them).

It is mostly introductory so it’s worth reading through the sections that interest you and potentially using additional resources to delve in further.

Ideas that I found most interesting:
- The issue of “sharenting” and how ethical it is to share pictures of your children online since they cannot consent to this sharing? More than 81% of children have an online presence by the age of 2 👼🏽
- The dangers of self-tracking every element of our life using technology and how this can develop into obsessional tendencies
- Technoference (when we allow technology to distract and interrupt you when something or someone needs your attention)

While reading this book, I decided to set myself a goal not to check Instagram during my work day (9-5pm) and I found that I was able to reduce my time on Instagram by 40 whole mins! I also didn’t miss anything and felt much more focused through the day.

[Bea Amsalu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super quick and easy read and also really practical with lots of tips on how to reduce our technology use. One of my New Year’s resolutions was to use my phone less so this was a perfect book to start with.

[maegan]

Informative and straight to the point. I'll probably read it again in the near future to self flagellate over my poor progress in my phone addiction. But, oh well.

[Patti Murin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feeling overwhelmed by an addiction to a cell phone or other device? This book is a great, easily read, very succinct and enjoyable guide to breaking the bad habit. Full of useful information about how the addiction forms, the impact it has on our social life and family members, and the ins and outs of the new terminology that is associated with this, I found it a good handbook to have. Highly recommended.

[William Schram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technology has come a long way. My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open is a book by Tanya Goodin. She describes issues with technology and how to deal with them.

Goodin uses internet jargon for these behaviors, and some words were new to me. For example, “sharenting” is a word I learned. It is a portmanteau, a term made by combining parenting and sharing.

Another example is “phubbing,” or phone snubbing, where you purposely ignore a social situation with your phone because it makes you uncomfortable.

Each behavior has a way to combat it and how to find it in yourself and others.

I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't feel like I got something new and groundbreaking out of it. Its a solid read, just nothing new for me particularly

[Siana T · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open by Tanya Goodin is an informative and interesting book about the cyber world, it's impacts on our lives and on our relationships, and how to put technology back in it's place.

One thing that really impressed me in this book was the diversity of topics it touches on, including: fake news, sharenting, vampire shoppers, and my favorite chapter: digital legacies, among many others.
I also appreciated the resources found in the last few pages of this book, which I found quite useful.

My one and only problem with the book was that the same chapter pattern was used almost the entire time, and that really slowed me down, since it felt like I was reading the same thing over and over. A little more diversity in format would have been appreciated on my part.

Overall, though, this was a good book to become more aware on this topic. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to get educated or further educated on this.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for giving me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodin offers a highly readable overview of the primary problems common technology and tech services such as social media pose the average person, from anxiety about making calls, to ignoring your partner or children in favour of mindless scrolling, and an inability to disconnect.

She doesn’t just look at the obvious issues such as over-sharing and privacy issues and cyberbullying, but also how technology and our use of it affects our interpersonal relationships too. I was particularly impressed that she talked about technology and our finances in the form of compulsive/obsessive shopping. She includes some eye-opening statistics, such as:

- 66% of people fear being without their phone.
- Talking on the phone accounts for almost 70% of walking injuries.
- People who buy at night spend 20% more than those who buy during the day.
- More than 81% of children have an online presence before the age of two.
- 54% of CHILDREN think their PARENTS spend too much time on their phones.

Her book offers attainable and realistic ways to reduce technology use and alleviate the burdens it can place on us as individuals and on our relationships. It never felt patronising either, which is important, because who wants to be patronised?

I’m quite well-read on this issue already, so the book didn’t really offer me any new information per se (although some of the specific statistics were new to me) but I think for people who are curious or even indifferent about this issue, this book would be a great way to get them thinking about their tech usage and how it’s so interwoven in our lives - and whether it really makes our lives better.

[Jessica - How Jessica Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, brief look at the power of smart phones over our lives. I found the chapters on 'phubbing' and 'sharenting' most interesting. A few chapters seemed geared maybe toward Gen X or older [ie how to make sure you're following reliable news sources, why not to use the internet to diagnose health problems] -- I feel like people my age and younger probably know those kind of things already.

[Y T · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute necessary for everyone who's using technology in their lives.

The author addresses the key issues facing us all today as we learn to live with the technology in our world.

Getting distracted, dealing with trolls, etc are the key issues covered.

Overall a simple and enjoyable read for me.

[Mrs Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know anyone who wouldn't benefit from at least one part of this book. In a world where technology is such a huge part of our lives it's been so helpful to learn how to reduce the impact this has on day to day activities.

[Mallya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing insights about the scary truth of online world !

[Karen Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

More self-help and improvement in my life won't hurt.

[Dave Fairchild · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sobering book when it comes to both my phone and the internet. I was surprised and a bit chagrined to recognize myself in a number of the chapters.

It's a jungle out there, and the author points out a number of ways we can improve our digital safety.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think my biggest inspiration or take away was to do better at staying off my phone when I’m with others especially during a conversation.

[Elizabeth Harrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Split into three sections, this book covers loving (friendships, relationships and family), living (social comparisons, addiction and shopping, amongst other things) and learning (doomscrolling, clicktivism and feeling always on) online.
It ends with a section on how to be a good digital citizen, looking out for yourself and others.

Each section has a range of topics covered and examples shared from the author’s work in schools and from running workshops on relationships with tech, which are often unhealthy.

I liked the format and layout of the book and I think it would be a good read for adults feeling left behind by their switched on teens. It might date as the internet trends move on, but I’m sure trends like mindlessly buying stuff online are here to stay. Identify and break your bad habits with this insightful book.

[Xale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book will certainly benefit parents and individuals who feel uneasy in our beloved online realm. Personally, I found this book as if it were an internet guide & vocabulary. While I appreciate the effort to define each term and provide examples, something seemed lacking. If one were to approach this as a guide to internet etiquette, it would be more fitting. I believe the title is somewhat misleading. Initially, upon seeing the book title, I thought, "Finally, a solution to the issue of excessive internet usage and cyber chaos." However, it turned out to be more like a vocabulary. Anyway, it’s extremely useful and I strongly recommend giving it a try.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive overview of all the bad habits we get into with on line activities. Recognized a few of my problem areas but also good practical solutions offered.

[Winnie | Her Digital Coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Goodin presented lots of facts along with personal stories that give insight as to why too much time online can be an issue. I loved the illustrations along with the summary pages at the end of each chapter.

This book is divided into 3 sections, they’re titled “Loving,” “Living,” and “Learning.” I connected with every chapter in “Living” as well as “On Tech-Life Balance” and “On Doomscrolling” in “Learning.” We all use our phones, computers, and social media, which is why I recommend this book to everyone. Goodin has great advice that we could all apply to our tech usage. Thank you to NetGalley and Quatro Publishing Group - White Lion for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with nice short concise chapters around each topic drawing in on some scientific research.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of data, realistic scenarios and suggestions for living in a tech-forward world, I will always appreciate a book that makes me think about how having internet access has changed my life. The book isn’t perfect, as there are so many new things to consider almost every day… but reading this was enjoyable and gave me perspective. Would recommend.

[Erika Navaja · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is best read in increments to avoid overloading your brain 🤭. It also presents important information visually, so it should remain for some time in your head.

[Geisa Lopes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new, just things I already knew and have been trying to use in my digital life. Maybe it’s more useful for other people, including many I know but who are precisely the ones who never get interested in this type of reading.

[Grayson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Put my tech use into perspective. Who knew growing up during a tech boom would have it's adverse affects.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is a quick read with short and simple chapters. i grabbed it at half prices books bc I want to be on my phone less. this book makes me want to delete social media off my phone.

[Audrey Feist · Rating 2 out of 5]

First I would like to thank White Lion Publishing for sending me an ARC of this book!

In My Brain Goodin promises to help us “untangle our relationship with tech”. The book outlines many instances of technological issues one might face and how to solve them. These fixes are often preluded by a short tale connecting to said issue as well as statistics outlining the basis for why the issue exists or how it manifests. My issue with this book most likely stems from the fact that I am of the generation “gen z” who has grown up with the internet. None of the problems outlined are something new to me, nor are the solutions. I know I’m addicted to my phone and want to break the cycle, but the answer is not found in this book as promised. Rather what I am offered by Goodin is an explanation for catfishing and how to avoid it as if I didn’t spend my afternoons after middle school religiously watching the show. Perhaps this is a book meant for older generations who know nothing about the internet or how it functions, but for those of us who know it like the back of our hand, this novel is lacking. I know that I can put time restrictions on social media and that I shouldn’t email co-workers after work hours. All these things are painfully obvious. What I expected from this book was a psychological breakdown of why I am so prone to picking up my device and how to stop, something that is woefully missing from this book.

[Patzh Eaimtrakul · Rating 3 out of 5]

หนังสือที่เป็นเหมือนกึ่ง how to ว่าด้วยเรื่องการใช้ชีวิตในโลกที่เต็มไปด้วยข้อมูลข่าวสารและการพาตัวเองไปอยู่ใน social network สุดท้ายเราต้องมารู้เท่าทันสิ่งที่กำลังเผชิญอยู่ในทุกวัน

โดยตัวหนังสือแบ่งออกเป็น 3 หมวดใหญ่ๆ ก็คือความรัก การใช้ชีวิต รวมไปถึงการเรียนรู้ต่างๆ แถมยังให้บทสุดท้ายมาว่าด้วยเรื่องการเป็นพลเมืองที่ดีมาให้อีกด้วย แม้มันจะตั้งท่าว่าเป็น how to แต่ในหนังสือมันพูดถึงภาพรวมของโลกในวันที่ social network มันเข้ามามีผลต่อการใช้ชีวิต การเข้ามาแทรกแซงเริ่มความสัมพันธ์จนบางครั้งเราก็ไม่แน่ใจว่าสิ่งที่เราทำอยู่มันถูกต้องหรือไปละเมิดชีวิตใครหรือเปล่า ความละเอียดอ่อนในการดำรงอยู่ในสังคมตอนนี้มันอยู่ที่บาร์ประมาณไหน และเราจะต้องปรับตัวอย่างไร รวมไปถึงวิธีการหลีกหนีจากสิ่งที่จะมา Toxic เราให้เราใช้ชีวิตได้อย่างปลอดภัยและไม่ต้องกังวลเรื่องราวต่างๆ ที่จะเข้ามากระทบกระเทือนในชีวิต

[Lily Heron · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting summary of lots of different habits to do with unhealthy or problematic digital living, and suggestions on how to recognise them and what to do about them. I would have liked it to have been longer and more in depth personally, but it makes for a good starting point.

[Ms.TDA · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does gave us variety of topics to be concerned due to our current technologies generation kept on going, especially to our daily basis life. It’s quite a solid read, but somehow it’s just not working well with me. 🤖🫀

[Christina Shih · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the things listed in the book are common sense, but it does offer helpful tips.