The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane Clare Morell - The Tech Exit
Sep 1, 2025
Clare Morell, a policy analyst and director of the Technology and Human Flourishing Project, shares her insights on the harmful impacts of smartphones on children. She reveals that TikTok is as addictive as digital fentanyl and argues that parental controls are largely ineffective. Morell advocates for phone-free schools, emphasizing the dangers of seemingly harmless apps like Roblox. Her practical guide, 'The Tech Exit,' offers families tangible steps to reduce screen time and foster better social connections, making a compelling case for a tech-free lifestyle.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Case That Sparked Policy Work
- Clare Morell recounts a John Doe case where abusive images were uploaded and Twitter refused to remove them.
- She explains Section 230 left the victim without legal recourse, which pushed her into policy work to protect children online.
Social Media Triggers Drug-Like Craving
- Clare argues social media algorithms create dopamine-driven craving resembling addiction to hard drugs.
- She concludes short daily use still produces persistent mental craving, undermining simple time limits.
Don't Rely On Parental Controls
- Clare warns parental controls give an illusion of safety because parents lack true oversight into apps and in-app browsers.
- She advises opting out of smartphones and social apps because controls and third-party tools cannot fully protect kids.
