[Un]Intentional – Book Review & Giveaway

What makes your family’s faces glow? Is it the reflection from a TV, a tablet, or a cell phone? This week, we have a book review and giveaway of [Un]Intentional: How Screens Secretly Shape Your Desires and How to Break Free.

Are you multi-tasking right now? Perhaps you’re reading this post on one screen while also viewing something on your TV.

We double-screen more than we realize.

In May 2017, eMarketer found the average US adult will spend over twelve hours a day consuming media on devices like smartphones, computers, and TVs.

eMarketer Staff, “US Adults Now Spend 12 Hours 7 Minutes a Day Consuming Media,” May 1, 2017.

The book, [Un]Intentional, “shows how most people are unintentional with the screens in their lives, but also how the industries behind our screens intentionally make their content distracting and addictive.”

Why I Chose to Review this Book

I chose to review this book for several reasons.

• It’s disquieting to witness the attachment people have with their electronic devices. Especially troubling is when this occurs in the physical presence of other people, such as during a meal.
• Reports about the effects of electronic gaming have varied over the years. I didn’t know which ones to believe.
• I knew I needed to implement some changes in my own home, but I wasn’t sure how to do it.

Another reason, I chose this book is because of who wrote it.

The Author

The author, Doug Smith, brings something unique to the table.

This dad of four has over twenty years of experience as a professional software developer.

He’s overcome his own screen addiction through the grace and the power of Jesus Christ.

[Un]Intentional is written with a Christian worldview. Doug is passionate to share, not only the data he has found, but also the hope and salvation.

His style of writing is informative and full of grace. He doesn’t take a shaming stance, but rather a concerned and helpful one.

Plus, the book contains two pages of impressive endorsements by professors, pastors, and business professionals including author and radio show host, Dave Ramsey and the president and CEO of 9Fruits LLC, Dan Banks.

The Chapters

Published by Credo House Publishers, this paperback book contains twelve chapters.

Each chapter is cleverly titled with an [Un] in front of its title—from “[Un]Aware to [Un]Intentional.

The goal is to enlighten and equip the reader to eliminate the “Un” from the self-descriptions, changing them into positive attributes.

You’ll Learn Who, Why, and How

In this book, you’ll learn who is intentionally shaping our desires via our screens, why, and how.

Smith provides extensive endnotes, full of sources to back up his statements.

I found it upsetting to learn how companies hire psychologists to intentionally make their electronic games addictive.

Smith includes several eye-opening quotes from well-known people in the technology business. They promote the latest tech gadgets. However, as parents, many of the tech gurus do not allow their own kids to have the products they promote.

Interesting.

How Do We Know What’s Good?

How do we know what’s good and what’s not? If you’re like me, you’re a protective parent who researches the games kids want to play online. We read about movies before we go to see them. We want to make sure there isn’t harmful content.

Yet, is that enough?

An excellent point, Smith makes is to reflect on the fruit produced. Not only consider the content, but we must also ask ourselves, “Is the time we’re spending in front of our screens producing fruit that is pleasing and glorifying to the Lord?”

Is Moderation the Key?

Smith says this,

“I’m not advocating an Amish existence, or removal of every screen. On the other hand, I’m not suggesting “balance” in our use of technology, or anything else. The problem with the idea of “balance” is that everyone thinks they are balanced. Each of us is the most moderate person we know, right? We don’t do this or that as much as some other people we know, so we must be balanced, right? Striving for balance lets us off the hook and keeps us “encumbered” and “entangled.”

Doug Smith, [Un]Intentional: How Screens Secretly Shape Your Desires and How You Can Break Free.

Quite often, no matter how “moderately” the time is spent on a device, negative behaviors reappear again once the gaming, or viewing other habit-forming material begins again. Moodiness, disobedience, slack in responsibilities, and even aggressiveness are displayed.

Smith adds,

“If you have a family, it will take some careful, prayerful, and vision-filled talks to make any changes you feel God leading you to make. If you just show up one day and get rid of a bunch of screens, you’re going to have a mutiny on your hands. That’s why it’s so important to start with vision, then move toward surrender, and then invite your family along for a positive journey.”

Doug Smith, [Un]Intentional.

Practical Steps to Take

The first half of this book outlines the possible dangers behind our screens due to the techniques and strategies used by companies.

The second half offers practical steps we can take to protect our families’ minds, hearts, and relationships. Smith offers numerous ideas and resources. They are not just for parents to use with their children. He offers counsel for adults who are struggling with screen usage as well.

Smith goes straight to the heart. With wisdom and solid, biblical teaching he points to God and a purpose-filled life.

“Technology also fights against real world purpose when it becomes a virtual purpose substitute. Social media and video games can feed our longing for purpose by making us feel like we’ve accomplished something meaningful—by design. For some of the more addicted gamers, every fight against an electronic foe satiates their inborn hunger to make a difference, leaving them unequipped and unmotivated to battle real-world enemies and rescue truly hurting people.”

The author points out that since God created our desire for purpose, then it stands to reason there will be a spiritual battle to prevent us from discovering and fulfilling it.

In addition, readers will find this book packed with practical, doable suggestions for decreasing distractions, renewing the mind, and living with purpose and freedom.

How This Book Has Affected My Family

Finally, I want to add how this book has affected my family. We already had boundaries in place about screen time. But we had fallen into the thought pattern of moderation was key.

Even though we had researched the games our son played, we began to see some of the negative impacts. It was quickly becoming a primary focus and a major distraction.

Smith’s book helped us avoid a “mutiny.” The book gave us excellent points to help initiate conversations and redirect our visions.

It’s still a work in progress. But I’m thankful our eyes were opened, and we’re disentangling from the tentacles of technology.

We want our faces to glow not from the light of a screen, but from our knowledge of living a life of purpose and freedom in Christ.

The Recommendation

I highly recommend this book. It will benefit anyone who is wondering about the dangers or the over usage of screens. Anyone who is already aware of a screen addiction will greatly benefit from this book. Every pastor, youth pastor, and church librarian should have a copy of this book.

Also, check out Doug Smith’s website: www.thatdougsmith.com.

The Giveaway

Who would like to win a copy of [Un]Intentional? The author has generously donated a copy for me to give away to one of you.

Leave a comment below and you’ll be entered in the drawing. A winner will be randomly selected on September 6, 2019.

Another treat you can look for is the author, Doug Smith’s guest post here on the blog, titled Push Reset Your Family’s Relationship with Screens.

Do you need ideas for commenting today? How about one of your thoughts about excessive screen time? Or mention something you’ve found helpful in setting boundaries for yourself or for your kids. You could even share a verse of encouragement that comes to mind.

Thanks to all who leave a comment below. It’s a blessing when we support and help one another in our life journeys.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this free book in return for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

We have a winner! Congratulations Tracy! Your name was drawn from the hat. I’ll be in touch about the delivery of your book.