Irresistible

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This urgent investigation delves into behavioral addiction, the dark side of our reliance on digital technologies, and how we can reclaim control. Behavioral addiction is emerging as a crucial area of social, medical, and psychological research. The notion that behaviors can be addictive is relatively new, yet the threat is widespread, with experts recognizing that we are all potential addicts. Adam Alter, a psychology and marketing professor at NYU, explores what makes these technologies so compulsive and the significant costs we face if we continue on our current trajectory. For the last two decades, we've become increasingly addicted to platforms like Instagram, Netflix, and Facebook, assuming they enhance our lives. While these technologies offer benefits, their allure is intentional, crafted by teams of engineers and marketers dedicated to maximizing our engagement. Alter traces the history of addiction, revealing our nascent understanding of the behavioral addiction epidemic. He examines the brain's response during moments of digital interaction, such as scoring points in a game or receiving likes on social media. Importantly, he offers strategies for stepping back from screens and addressing this issue before it overwhelms us. After all, many of us find it hard to resist the pull of notifications or the urge to binge-watch.