Douglas Rushkoff's Present Shock explores how modern individuals experience a constant "now," influenced by digital technology. It examines the cultural and psychological impacts of living in an age where information and events unfold in real-time, altering perceptions of time and narrative.

Reviews & Readership

4.0

2,194 ratings

62%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Douglas Rushkoff's Present Shock receives mixed reviews. Positively, it's praised for its insightful analysis of modern society's fixation on immediacy and how technology reshapes our perception of time. Critics argue, however, that its themes feel stretched and repetitive, making the narrative occasionally tedious. Overall, it sparks thought but may test readers' patience.

Who Should Read Present Shock: When Everything Happens Now?

Readers who enjoy Present Shock by Douglas Rushkoff are typically interested in digital culture, the impact of technology on society, and the modern experience of time. Comparable books include Marshall McLuhan's Understanding Media and Nicholas Carr's The Shallows. This audience seeks insights into how technological advancements reshape human behavior and perception.

4.0

2,194 ratings

62%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Present Shock: When Everything Happens Now explores concepts like "narrative collapse" and the impact of real-time culture on our perception of time and events, emphasizing how the pace of modern life can affect human experience.

Douglas Rushkoff, the author of Present Shock, is known for coining the term "viral media" and has received the Marshall McLuhan Award for his notable contributions to media theory.

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Book Details

Pages

296

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre

Philosophy

•

Social Science

•

Psychology

Setting