Staying Human in a Machine World: A Review of Futureproof by Kevin Roose

In a world increasingly defined by algorithms, automation, and artificial intelligence, Kevin Roose’s Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation is both a timely wake-up call and a deeply human guidebook. As a tech columnist for The New York Times, Roose brings a unique combination of journalistic clarity and lived experience to this essential exploration of how we can retain our humanity amid the digital revolution.

Recognized in the World Future Awards’ list of “Most Compelling Tech Reads,” Futureproof stands out not just for its technical insight, but for its heart. While many books on automation veer into alarmist territory or fixate on economic consequences, Roose takes a refreshingly grounded approach. He asks a fundamentally human question: What does it mean to be a person in a machine-driven world?

The core of the book is Roose’s nine rules for staying human in the age of automation, a set of practical, sometimes counterintuitive strategies for thriving in an increasingly AI-shaped world. Among the standout principles are “Do work that is surprising, social, and scarce”—a direct challenge to the notion that efficiency is king. He also advises us to “demote your phone,” a nudge toward digital mindfulness, and “add more friction to your life,” encouraging a slower, more deliberate engagement with the world around us.

Roose’s tone throughout is hopeful but realistic. He doesn’t deny that automation is changing the job market or that AI is reshaping our institutions. But rather than advocate for humans to compete with machines by becoming more robotic—more efficient, more data-driven—he argues for leaning into what makes us distinct: our creativity, empathy, intuition, and capacity for connection.

This human-first philosophy makes Futureproof not only a survival guide for the 21st-century workplace but also a call to cultural renewal. It’s a book about careers, yes, but also about identity, purpose, and community. Roose weaves in stories of people who have adapted successfully to technological shifts—not just by learning to code or chasing trends, but by embracing work that is deeply human.

What makes Futureproof particularly resonant is Roose’s personal storytelling and accessible prose. He draws on his own experiences reporting from Silicon Valley, interviews with experts, and his encounters with those navigating the frontline of technological disruption. His writing is sharp, engaging, and infused with empathy—a rare combination in the tech genre.

Whether you’re a tech professional, a concerned parent, or simply someone trying to stay afloat in an overwhelming digital age, Futureproof offers a clear, compelling strategy for adapting—not just to survive, but to thrive. In a landscape flooded with tech forecasts and AI anxieties, Kevin Roose offers something much rarer: wisdom.

In short, Futureproof is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand not just where technology is going, but how we can meet it with our humanity intact.

Want to learn more about this World Future Awards recommended read? Get your copy here.