The authors have prepared a scholarly look at innovation and what it may mean for the future of society. In the past a change was gradual, but now they happen ever more swiftly.

This book is entirely American-centred, which can be annoying for a reader from elsewhere. For instance, the authors tell us all about copyright online issues and publication on platforms, saying there is no restriction on social media. However, the EU Digital Services Act, which came into force Nov. 2022, has placed considerable restrictions on them, and defamation laws are much stronger in Europe, so people in America can sue those who defame them on a site visible in Europe.
Much space is devoted to claims of Chinese firms' theft of US IP, but they don't mention the fact that there is no law protecting copyright in the PRC, a communist state. Chinese films are regularly pirated and sold openly.
Another issue is when the authors talk about giant companies "everyone uses", naming firms that only exist in America, so clearly everyone doesn't use them. A common fallacy is thinking that everyone in the world does what the people around you do. For instance, I don't use social media but the authors think everyone does. The authors think some twitter/x users just behave badly; they don't seem to have read about the troll farm in an office outside Moscow: 'Nothing is True and Everything is Possible' by Peter Pomerant.
Continued on Goodreads.

Our world and way of life is changing rapidly due to our ever-increasing dependence on digital resources. There are many positive aspects, but we must be aware of the negatives such as addiction, isolation and cybercrime. The authors have provided exhaustive studies and statistics in a way for the average person to understand. It is a fascinating read, but also a bit scary. Thanks to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and the authors for an advance copy to read and review.

Digital Shock: Seven Shocks that are Shaping the Future (Self-Learning Management Series) describes seven ways the world has changed because of increased digital technology. I agree with many of the points made in the book. Digital technology has touched and shaped many aspects of our lives, and it is important to recognize how we are impacted. This book would have been a great addition to my Information Technology class at university.

In Digital Shock: Seven Shocks that are Shaping the Future, Dr. Jagdish N. Sheth and Suresh K. Sharma examine societal disruptions caused by the digital revolution, offering insights that resonate with everyone. They identify seven interconnected "shocks" transforming communication, trust, governance, and relationships, presenting a balanced view of each shock’s risks and opportunities. From digital addiction and the rise of virtual communities to the erosion of traditional family dynamics and the codification of trust through technology, the authors provide a detailed analysis of impacts, implications, and opportunities.

The authors maintain an optimistic perspective, emphasizing that proactive planning, education, and leadership can help individuals and society not just adapt but thrive. Written in accessible language, Digital Shock bridges the gap between academic analysis and everyday understanding. Whether you are a business leader, policymaker, or simply someone navigating the digital world, the book’s well-researched content speaks directly to the challenges and possibilities we all face in this era of rapid change. It is a timely and essential guide for everyone looking to understand and succeed in the digital future.

This is a very interesting book, though it makes for hard reading at times as you recognise yourself.
Any good always has a downside and this is detailed in the book.
Stick with it and find enlightenment

This was an interesting book to read. I found the author's selection of the shocks that shape humankind as interesting as the individual shocks themselves.

When you read the book you get the feeling of how much research, work, thought is in it as claimed. Fifteen years of observation and wisdom about digitization of lives globally. There are a lot of observations, facts and interesting information to reflect on. The humans are being driven toward digital future of individualism and solo person centicity. People focus ourselves and gradually moving away from living in a society and community, starting to live in digital paradigm that can be adjusted to what they want and deliver everything they need at their fingertips. At some point this sounds scary when you start realising that the book describes actual reality and is not a fantasy book. I liked the facts and the book structure because it takes you in hands and walks through the story.

Book Review: Digital Shock: Seven Shocks that are Shaping the Future by Dr. Jagdish N. Sheth and Suresh K. Sharma
In Digital Shock: Seven Shocks that are Shaping the Future, authors Dr. Jagdish N. Sheth and Suresh K. Sharma offer an insightful and timely exploration of the profound technological shifts and disruptions that are rapidly transforming every aspect of our lives. As we stand on the threshold of unprecedented changes in society, business, and even human relationships, the book provides a balanced perspective on how these shocks—while initially overwhelming—present unique opportunities for innovation, adaptation, and growth.

A World of Unprecedented Digital Shocks
The book's central thesis is that the digital revolution, with all its associated advancements, is akin to a series of "shocks" that are shaking up the very foundation of our world. These shocks are not isolated incidents but are interconnected transformations that affect everything from communication and commerce to governance and trust. Sheth and Sharma categorize these disruptions into seven key shocks, which they explain in detail, offering an in-depth analysis of how they are reshaping society and what lies ahead.

Digital Addiction: The authors explore the growing dependence on digital devices, particularly smartphones and social media platforms. This shift has led to both positive and negative impacts, from improved connectivity to rising concerns about mental health, attention spans, and privacy.

The Fragmented Family: In an era of constant digital interaction, physical presence has become less central to maintaining relationships. The authors poignantly highlight how family units are evolving, with many households now functioning more like cohabitating roommates than cohesive families, as people become more engrossed in their digital lives.

The Rise of Virtual Communities: As social media platforms and digital forums proliferate, people are increasingly forming virtual communities that transcend geographic boundaries. Sheth and Sharma investigate the consequences of this shift, questioning whether these communities can replace the deep, meaningful relationships that traditionally formed in physical spaces.

A Borderless Social Media World: The advent of global, real-time communication through social media has created an unprecedented “borderless” world. The authors analyze both the advantages—such as the democratization of information—and the risks, including the spread of misinformation, the erosion of national identities, and the increasing power of tech giants.

Codifying Trust in a Digital Age: The book delves into how technology, particularly blockchain and artificial intelligence, is reshaping the way we establish trust in transactions, governance, and communication. In a world where human-to-human trust is being replaced by code and algorithms, Sheth and Sharma consider the implications for privacy, security, and accountability.

Re-purposing Physical Assets: The digital age has also rendered many traditional physical assets—factories, malls, and office spaces—obsolete. The authors discuss the need for adaptive reuse, emphasizing that while digitalization has led to the decline of certain industries, it also presents opportunities for reimagining how we use physical spaces.

Lack of Governance and Ethical Oversight: Perhaps one of the most pressing shocks is the lack of governance over digital technologies. The authors argue that existing regulatory frameworks are ill-equipped to manage the rapid pace of technological innovation. They stress the need for new forms of governance that are more agile and adaptable to ensure that digital advancements serve the common good.

A Balanced Perspective: Beyond Doom and Gloom
One of the most refreshing aspects of Digital Shock is its optimistic outlook. Unlike many contemporary works that forecast dystopian futures dominated by technology, Sheth and Sharma provide a more hopeful narrative. They assert that while these digital shocks are indeed disruptive, humanity has a long history of adapting to transformative change, and this period will be no different.

The authors believe that with proactive planning and thoughtful leadership, society will not only survive but thrive in the face of these shocks. They highlight the importance of leveraging our cognitive abilities to turn challenges into opportunities for discovery and innovation. This balanced perspective is a welcome departure from the often alarmist rhetoric surrounding the digital age, offering readers a more nuanced understanding of both the risks and rewards of technological advancement.

Thoughtful, Accessible, and Engaging
Despite the profound implications of the topics covered, Digital Shock is not a heavy academic treatise. The authors have succeeded in making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. They combine a rich array of real-world examples with thoughtful analysis, making the book both informative and engaging. Their style is conversational yet insightful, allowing readers to easily grasp the magnitude of the changes underway without being overwhelmed by technical jargon.

Additionally, the book’s structure—focused around seven distinct shocks—provides a clear framework for understanding the diverse ways in which technology is reshaping the world. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, creating a cohesive narrative that leads the reader through the various facets of the digital revolution.

A Call for Proactive Adaptation
One of the key messages of Digital Shock is the need for proactive adaptation. The authors argue that while technology has the potential to create profound challenges, it also offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation, creativity, and growth. However, successfully navigating these changes will require both individuals and institutions to be forward-thinking and flexible.

Sheth and Sharma emphasize the importance of education, governance, and leadership in preparing society for the future. They call for more adaptive regulatory frameworks, greater ethical oversight of digital technologies, and a commitment to lifelong learning to ensure that people can continue to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Conclusion: A Timely and Insightful Guide
In Digital Shock: Seven Shocks that are Shaping the Future, Dr. Jagdish N. Sheth and Suresh K. Sharma have crafted a thoughtful, timely, and engaging exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital revolution. The book provides a balanced perspective on the rapid technological advancements that are reshaping every aspect of our lives and offers a hopeful vision for the future.

For anyone interested in understanding how digital technologies are impacting society—and what we can do to navigate the profound changes ahead—Digital Shock is an essential read. Whether you are a business leader, policymaker, or simply someone curious about the future, this book offers valuable insights into the shocks that will define the 21st century and beyond.

This book felt at times too end of days for me to enjoy and unfortunately introduced many issues and potential problems without offering resolve or resolution. The section about artificial intelligence was really captivating if not unsettling. I think this would do for an audience that is more directly impacted by these tech center issues.