These Authors Share the Good, the Bad and the Ugly about Technology’s Role in Society – Entrepreneur

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Ask a dozen people how they feel about technology and youll get a dozen answers. Some would say its kept them sane and connected throughout the craziness of 2020. Others would insist that without regular digital deprivation, tech wreaks havoc on mental health and social bonding. Regardless, though, tech is here to stay.

The key is figuring out how and where technology belongs in your personal and professional life. But to make that conclusion, youll probably want to get a broader understanding of how tech has changed and is continuing to change thehuman race. And youll find lots of insight from a decidedly offline source: books.

Related: 4 Reasons Every Entrepreneur Should Be Reading More

If youre interested in delving into technologys direction, pick up these noteworthy reads. Theyll give you a contemporary outlook on tech from unique and thoughtful perspectives.

Humans are curious creatures. They cant stop themselves from inventing and innovating. So is it any wonder that a futurist like Eric Pilon-Bignell believes our tenacity is bringing about the Fourth Industrial Revolution? Pilon-Bignell believes that whats happening today with the rise in digitization is causing a tsunami of disruption in every fabric of the culture. As a result, he invites readers to make a deliberate choice: Sit back and watch the waves coming or take the bold step and begin Surfing Rogue Waves.

If youve wondered how to deal with the fast-paced world of tech-focused advancements or are worried about the purpose of AI, this book belongs in your library. Youll enjoy not just a history lesson in how far weve come in such a short time, but a reminder that tomorrow is affected by whats done today. You may never see technology in the same light after seeing digital through Pilon-Bignells lens.

This isnt your average coming of age novel. Instead, its a memoir dedicated to author Brian Paes-Bragas journey to achieve financial freedom by age 30, a journey that nearly devastated him. In 8, he lays out an honest look at why turning an impossible dream possible doesnt always end up the way you planned.

Where does technology fall into the equation? For Paes-Braga, the digital world became both friend and foe. It allowed him to achieve his loftiest goals. And meeting those goals both thrilled and devastated him. Now, hes on a mission to help others learn how to use technology to revive their spirits and set personal missions that offer fulfillment and true satisfaction. Never settle for a future of personal bankruptcy. Check out 8 to boost your resilience.

Related: The 17 Habits of Millionaires Who Started Small and Retired Young

Ex-Morman. Ex-millionaire. Unfilled. When those are the adjectives youd use to describe yourself, you might end up taking chances. Thats exactly what happened for Doug Cartwright as he embarked on a series of adventures and adrenaline-filled journeys to find inner peace. Now a CEO, Cartwright peppers Holy Sh!t Were Alive with the wisdom hes gathered throughout his years of soul-searching.

If youve ever wondered what would happen if you stepped away from the grind, from the devices, from reality, this is your must-read companion. Be prepared to hear about Cartwrights use of mind-altering substances to help him see his former mistakes and avoid living anything but a purposeful life from this point forward. Though you might not want to repeat the choices he discusses in Holy Sh!t Were Alive, youll come away with a new appreciation for a different way of dealing with the expectations and burdens of living in a fast-paced, always-on society.

The Generation Z digital natives are coming of age and theyre leveraging technology in unprecedented ways. From using social media to rally for equity and justice to leveraging the Internet to raise consciousness and hold companies accountable, theyre a powerful cohort.AnneMarie Hayeks groundbreaking work, Generation We, outlines what makes Gen Z such an important force. Not only are they poised to inherit the earth, but theyre trying to save it as well.

As you pour over Hayeks work, youll learn more about Gen Zs vision and capabilities that represent what she calls their hardened realism. Not everyone is comfortable with what Gen Z brings to the international table, especially Millennials, Generation X members, and Baby Boomers who dont understand. After reading Generation We, youll experience a clearer view of the most unlikely generation of social warriors and youll understand why they need you as their ally both online and off.

Related: Stop Selling to Gen Z

Is technology wonderful? Or is it menacing? Nick Shevelyov lays out a passionate take on how technology can be used in myriad ways. Growing up in Russia, he saw technological means used against his father. Yet, he didnt push against technology or eschew all things digital. On the contrary, he embarked on a career in tech-related risk management.

Just when you thought that youd never understand cybersecurity, Cyber War ...and Peace is here to provide enlightenment. Through the work, youll enjoy a walk through historys most enduring battles and find out how they can inform our digital decisions now. Youll also hear how Shevelyov recommends that you begin building digital trust as an ethical entrepreneur.

Have you ever had the sneaking suspicion that your digital marketing efforts are leading to nothing but dead ends? Atul Minocha understands. For more than three decades, hes worked in the marketing field. In Lies, Damned Lies, and Marketing, he walks you through how to make the most of your online marketing dollars. Plus, he helps you finally crack the code and make your money work online.

Minocha pulls back the veil on some of the most misunderstood digital marketing concepts, from social media to creating content. Best of all, youll finally crack the Google code thats been holding you and your company back from seeing honest-to-goodness results. One final note: While Lies, Damned Lies, and Marketing spends a lot of time talking about tech-related marketing, it dives into traditional marketing approaches, too. Therefore, if your organization dabbles in all forms of advertising, youll appreciate this book doubly.

On the heels of his first book, The Private Equity Playbook, author Adam Coffey brings The Exit-Strategy Playbook to life. If you own a business today or plan on owning one soon, youll get a fast education on how to make your dream irresistible to buyers from day one. Youll also hear how Coffey has used a mixture of art and science to grow organizations that fetch millions down the road. One of his secrets involves investing in and keeping up with the latest tech advances to woo bigger and better bids.

Even if youre entirely in love with your business today, you never know when youll want a change of scenery. Having an exit strategy map on hand to inform your moves can help you sell fast and smart. Why lose all the value youve put into your company? Learn the insider details from someone whos bought and sold more than 100 businesses.

Technology is a tool, no doubt about it. But, like any other tool, you need to figure out how to make it useful for your needs. So put down your laptop and grab a great read. Your email can wait.

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These Authors Share the Good, the Bad and the Ugly about Technology's Role in Society - Entrepreneur