David Blanchflower is a professor of economics at Dartmouth College, Lauren Oyler is a novelist and cultural critic, and Andrew Przybylski is a professor at the University of Oxford. They delve into the complex relationship between screen time and rising mental health issues among youth. The conversation questions if smartphones are the sole cause of increased anxiety and depression. They also explore the historical context of societal fears around technology and the need for nuanced research to better understand these pressing challenges.

Lauren Oyler, known for her sharp literary criticism, discusses internet gossip, attention economy, and the role of criticism in her book 'No Judgment' with Leo Robson. They delve into themes like revenge, judgment, vulnerability, David Foster Wallace's influence, and nuances of literary criticism.

Lauren Oyler, a critic and novelist known for her sharp literary insights, shares her complex feelings about W. G. Sebald's influential work. She dissects the discrepancies in Carol Angier’s biography, diving into Sebald's unique blend of fiction and memoir. The conversation navigates his significant cultural impact, the ethics of literary appreciation, and the emotional connections formed through literary tourism. Oyler raises questions about modern societal anxieties and the personal resonance of Sebald's narratives.