Have you desperately conducted a last minute multi-million pound transfer deals on 'Fantasy Football Manager' or looked up the latest video of a kamikaze pet on 'you tube' at work, when your boss wasn't looking? If the answer to these questions is an empathic 'yes' then 'Cyburbia' by James Harkin is essential reading; 'Cyburbia' delves into the way global communication networks such as 'you tube' and 'facebook' have influenced the way we relate too each other at work and at play.

Harkin portrays the hippies, geeks and geniuses and who made the Internet happen. 'Cyburbia' is peppered with colourful examples that go from wacky to downright weird - did you know design of the humble computer mouse was influenced by military strategy and that it could in fact claim to be a distant relative of an anti-aircraft gun?

'Cyburbia' is brimming with many similar fascinating titbits, but much more than that and indeed this is the ultimate reason for reading this book is that 'Cyburbia'… more »

Have you desperately conducted a last minute multi-million pound transfer deals on 'Fantasy Football Manager' or looked up the latest video of a kamikaze pet on 'you tube' at work, when your boss wasn't looking? If the answer to these questions is an empathic 'yes' then 'Cyburbia' by James Harkin is essential reading; 'Cyburbia' delves into the way global communication networks such as 'you tube' and 'facebook' have influenced the way we relate too each other at work and at play.

Harkin portrays the hippies, geeks and geniuses and who made the Internet happen. 'Cyburbia' is peppered with colourful examples that go from wacky to downright weird - did you know design of the humble computer mouse was influenced by military strategy and that it could in fact claim to be a distant relative of an anti-aircraft gun?

'Cyburbia' is brimming with many similar fascinating titbits, but much more than that and indeed this is the ultimate reason for reading this book is that 'Cyburbia' outlines a startling and prescient analysis of how digital information and communications have altered the way in which we shape our lives and everyday experiences. Although James Harkin does not have all the answers, and throws in the occasional red herring, his witty and punchy anecdotes writing style is extremely entertaining to read.

James Harkin's take on the trends and development of the digital society in 'Cyburbia' is a worthwhile read and comes highly recommended reading for any one like myself who finds the 'log off' computer command is almost akin to hearing the play ground bell at school signalling that 'play time' is over.