The Impact of Persuasive Design on Youth Mental Health

This might be the most important episode we’ve ever released. Dr. Richard Freed, psychologist and author of Better Than Real Life, pulls back the curtain on persuasive design—the hidden psychological science used by tech companies to keep kids glued to their screens. These technologies aren't just entertaining—they’re engineered by neuroscientists to exploit children's deepest instincts and hijack their brains. Most parents have never heard of this, yet it’s quietly reshaping childhood as we know it.

We talk about the ethics of manipulating kids, why screen time guidelines have mysteriously disappeared, and how AI is supercharging the problem. From children who won’t get off devices to teens forming relationships with AI bots, Dr. Freed explains how we got here—and what we must do to reclaim real life for our kids. If you’ve felt like you're losing your child to a screen, this episode will help you understand why.

**

Get your copy of Better Than Real Life here

Learn more about Dr. Richard Freed here

**A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them out below: 

• Geviti: Visit https://www.gogeviti.com/1000hoursoutside for 20% off your first three months of membership!

• Active Skin Repair: Visit www.ActiveSkinRepair.com  to learn more about Active Skin Repair and their commitment to 1% for the planet and use code: 1000hours to save 20% on all Active Skin Repair products

• Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more. 

• Crowd Health: Learn more at www.joincrowdhealth.com and get started today for just $99 per month for your first three months by using code 1000HOURS. 

• NIV Application Bible: Visit www.faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use code OUTSIDE to save 10%!

• BetterHelp: Visit  www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS  today to get 10% off your first month.

• Thrive Market: Visit https://tinyurl.com/1KHOThriveMarket  for 30% off your first order plus a FREE $60 gift!

• Quince: Go to https://tinyurl.com/1KHOQuince for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns

• CRU - To give, text HOUR to 71326 or visit www.give.cru.org/hour 

• Reliefband -Visit https://tinyurl.com/1KHOreliefband and use code 1000HOURS to save 20% and free shipping

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices