The Gray Area with Sean Illing

Is big tech addictive? Nir Eyal and I debate.

Aug 1, 2019
Nir Eyal, author of "Hooked" and "Indistractable," dives into the debate on whether big tech is truly addictive. He argues that it’s individuals who must exercise control over their attention, rather than blaming tech companies. The conversation addresses how personal agency plays a crucial role in navigating digital distractions and the need for a nuanced understanding of our relationship with technology. Eyal also shares strategies to become 'indistractable' and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing meaningful connections in our increasingly distracted lives.
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ANECDOTE

Distracted Daddy

  • Nir Eyal realized he had a distraction problem when he ignored his daughter during daddy-daughter time.
  • She asked him about superpowers, but he was too focused on his phone.
INSIGHT

Traction vs. Distraction

  • Distraction is defined as any action that pulls you away from what you intend to do.
  • Traction, the opposite, pulls you towards your intended actions.
INSIGHT

Indistractable, Not Addicted

  • Tech companies understand our motivations, so we must learn to be indistractable.
  • We're not puppets; we can moderate or stop using problematic products.
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