The Science of Success cover image

The Science of Success

The Secret That Silicon Valley Giants Don’t Want You To Know with Dr. Adam Alter

Dec 30, 2023
Dr. Adam Alter, a psychologist studying technology addiction, reveals the dangers of screens and how they are designed to be addictive. He discusses how screens rob us of time and attention, and provides strategies for breaking free from addictive behaviors. Topics include the dark side of technology addiction, the design of addictive apps, using stopping cues to influence behavior, the influence of environment on behavior, creating distance from your phone for a more engaging dinner experience.
51:47

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Excessive screen time can negatively impact psychological well-being, social interactions, financial stability, and physical health.
  • Setting specific times or spaces as tech-free and introducing stopping cues can help break phone addiction and promote healthier screen time habits.

Deep dives

The addictive nature of screens

Screens and technology are designed to be addictive, with companies like Facebook focused on getting users to spend as much time as possible on their platforms. This addiction leads to a decline in psychological well-being, including a decreased tolerance for boredom and reduced social skills. Additionally, excessive screen time can have financial consequences, such as overspending on in-app purchases, and physical consequences, such as a sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise.

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