E31: How Smartphones Hijack Your Brain—Explained by a Psychologist

Psychologist Dr. Larry Rosen joins us to discuss the psychological toll of smartphones, social media, and digital distraction—and what we can do about it.Guest Bio: Dr. Larry Rosen is a retired psychology professor and former department chair at California State University, an expert on the psychology of technology, and author of The Distracted Mind: Ancient Brains in a High-Tech World and six other books examining how tech reshapes behavior, cognition, parenting, and mental health.Topics Discussed:The rise of digital anxiety and “phantom pocket” syndromeHow smartphones rewire attention, memory, and social behaviorTask switching vs. true multitasking and its effects on cognitionTech addiction in children and parenting digital boundariesThe historical analogies to smoking, seatbelts, and drug campaignsWhy technology is both brilliant and dangerous—and what needs to changeTop 3 Quotes:“People who think they’re good at multitasking are usually the worst at it.”“Smartphones are magnificent tools—but we haven’t learned how to handle them yet.”“Half of your distractions come from inside your own head—that’s your brain addicted to checking.”  🎙 The Pod is hosted by Jesse Wright💬 For guest suggestions, questions, or media inquiries, reach out at https://elpodcast.media/📬 Never miss an episode – subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts.⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show. It helps others find us. Thanks for listening!