Digital technologies have never played such a central role in our lives. Social media, artificial intelligence, remote work, streaming platforms, and online interactions now dictate our daily rhythms. While these tools open fascinating horizons, they also bring profound disruptions and contradictions. The mini-book Digital Ruptures, Real Pains, by Léwis Verdun, offers a clear and sharp reflection on this modern paradox.

The rise of digital: promises and paradoxes

Never before in human history has access to information and technology been so fast and widespread. Artificial intelligence boosts productivity, social media connects people across borders, and digital platforms open new opportunities for education and healthcare. Yet behind these promises, cracks are emerging.
The book highlights the rise in anxiety linked to hyperconnection, the multiplication of deepfake scams, and the widening digital divide. The gap between those who master these tools and those excluded from them is growing, threatening a two-tiered society.

The shadow of digital fatigue

With the expansion of remote work and the constant pressure of notifications, “digital fatigue” has become a new reality. On average, people spend more than 7 hours a day in front of screens, blurring the boundaries between personal and professional life. This cognitive overload leads to sleep disorders, reduced concentration, and even emotional exhaustion.
In response, more and more voices are advocating for a “right to disconnect.” Some European regulations now restrict work-related emails outside office hours to protect employees’ mental health.

The hidden costs of digital

The exponential growth of digital technologies does not only bring economic opportunities — it comes with real social and ecological costs.

  • E-waste: according to the Global E-Waste Monitor, over 60 million tons of digital waste will be generated annually by 2030, with only a tiny fraction recycled.

  • Inequalities in access: a significant portion of the global population still lacks reliable internet access, deepening educational and economic divides.

  • Cybersecurity threats: the rise of deepfakes and online scams fuels mistrust and complicates the protection of individuals and institutions.

Generative AI: revolution or social fracture?

Generative AI — capable of creating text, images, and music — inspires both excitement and fear. It promises significant productivity gains but raises fundamental questions:

  • Which jobs will be replaced or transformed?

  • How can we prevent this technology from widening the gap between large corporations and vulnerable workers?

  • What ethical safeguards should be implemented to protect human creativity and limit misuse?

The author reminds us that AI is not neutral. It reflects the biases of its creators and can amplify existing inequalities if not properly regulated.

From ruptures to opportunities: possible paths forward

Rather than simply endure these changes, the book proposes practical and accessible solutions:

  • Media literacy to develop critical thinking against misinformation and digital manipulation.

  • Voluntary disconnection, with practices such as weekend “digital detox” or setting screen-free hours.

  • Digital recycling, to reduce the ecological footprint of technologies.

  • Ethical AI regulation, combining data protection, social fairness, and safeguards for children.

If collectively embraced, these actions could transform digital ruptures into opportunities for human and social growth.

Why read Digital Ruptures, Real Pains?

This mini-book goes beyond alarmist observations. It invites readers to rethink their relationship with technology, blending statistical data, recent studies, and concrete proposals. Accessible and thought-provoking, it speaks both to curious readers and professionals seeking to understand the digital future of our societies.

A short but dense read, true to the Five Minutes collection, condensing the key challenges of a changing world into just a few pages.

Order your copy of Digital Ruptures, Real Pains now on Five Minutes and discover how to regain control in the face of digital overload.