Join author Jordan Guiao for the launch of his new book Disconnect - a lively, topical look at the rise of internet extremism and what we can do about it.

Many of us know an anti-vaxxer or a selfie-obsessed narcissist who clutters our social feeds; an online conspiracy theorist or a child whose face is buried in a smartphone. Some of us even live with one. How do we pull these people back from the brink of a digital abyss?

In this compelling account, researcher Jordan Guiao reveals what happens when we fall into online addiction and radicalisation. He speaks to Covid-19 ‘freedom fighters’, QAnon conspiracists, social media egoists, online gamers and men’s rights activists, tracing their path into obsession and how they found their way out. Drawing on psychology, neuroscience and research on addiction, he prompts us to ask: how can we use the tools that connect us to stop isolating us? And what should our governments do to protect us?

In an age of online outrage and social media schisms, where Big Tech tracks our every click, it is time for a conversation about how to use the internet safely and for social good. Let’s stop the disconnect and create an online world we can all be proud of.

Disconnect will be available for sale on the night. All author proceeds from the book will be donated to The Australia Institute.

Speakers

• Jordan Guiao, author of Disconnect
• Peter Lewis, Centre for Responsible Technology at the Australia Institute 
• Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute

Praise for Disconnect

‘Well informed, well researched and very readable, Disconnect by Jordan Guiao helps us navigate the great data ocean.’ —Ed Santow, Australia’s former human rights commissioner and professor of responsible technology at the University of Technology Sydney

‘A necessary reset of a book … Given how many of us are losing loved ones to conspiracy rabbit holes and brain-shaping tech, this humane, insightful and – yes – practical book couldn’t be more timely.’ —Benjamin Law, writer, broadcaster and author of The Family Law

‘Guiao fuses personal stories with professional insight, and the result is refreshingly empathetic and practical. Disconnect is both a cautionary tale and a sorely needed rallying call to reclaim a healthy internet.’ —Ed Coper, author of Facts and Other Lies and executive director of the Center for Impact Communications

‘What do we do when our friends fall prey to conspiracy theories, dating scams or online abuse? When our children become depressed because they can’t live up to a social media ideal? Jordan Guiao’s Disconnect gives practical suggestions about how to change our relationships with technology.’ —Fiona R. Martin, associate professor in online and convergent media at The University of Sydney