

How Is My iPhone Changing Me? | Prof. Joshua Hochschild
29 snips May 23, 2025
Joshua Hochschild, a Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary’s University, delves into the profound effects of smartphones on our identities and behaviors. He discusses how digital distractions commodify our attention and undermine our agency. Hochschild critiques manipulative algorithms, drawing parallels to C.S. Lewis's concept of 'digital demons.' He emphasizes the need for ethical oversight and advocates for reflective practices to regain focus. Practical strategies like reading and contemplation are suggested to nurture our spiritual well-being in this challenging digital era.
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Tech Changes Our Inner Self
- Technology reshapes not only what we want but also who we are as wanting beings.
- Digital devices deeply influence our self-awareness, agency, and interior life beyond mere tools.
Andrew Sullivan's Digital Rehab
- Andrew Sullivan's rehab experience revealed digital addiction as a spiritual crisis threatening our souls.
- He links loss of cultural Sabbath to the erosion of inner reflective spaces displaced by smartphones.
Digital Tech Is Designed To Change
- Recognize that digital media companies design technology explicitly to change user behavior.
- Be conscious that these designs manipulate how we think and act, not just offer neutral tools.