How To Stop Scrolling - Science Vs

What this episode covers

The apps on our phones do an amazing job of sucking us in. In fact, a big court case just found that some of these companies should be held responsible for basically designing products to be addictive. And that might not be shocking for lots of us, who feel the pull of these algorithms every day. So, is there anything we can do to help us put down our phones?? Tons of solutions are bandied about: Buy this special device to stay off your phone! What we really need to do is up the friction! Or go hardcore — just get a flip phone! But what actually works to stop scrolling? We dive into the science to find out, with help from computer science and engineering researcher Dr. Jaejeung Kim and psychologist Dr. Lea-Christin Wickord. Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsStopScrolling In this episode, we cover: (00:00) The Apps Got Us Trapped (04:21) Yes, it’s the scrolling that’s to blame (06:18) The Hardcore Approach (11:45) The Gentle Nudge (14:09) What if we up the friction? (19:59) Is greyscale the solution? (28:50) If we stop scrolling, do we feel better? (30:37) Final tips to stop scrolling This episode was produced by Meryl Horn, with help from Wendy Zukerman, Rose Rimler, Michelle Dang, and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys. Wendy Zukerman is our executive producer. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Erica Akiko-Howard. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, So Wylie, Emma Munger and Peter Leonard. Thanks so much to the researchers we spoke to, including Dr. Kai Lukoff, Hyunsung Cho, Dr. Alex Holte, Dr. Jan Ole Rixen, Dr. Jay Olson, and Dr. Noah Castelo. A big thanks to Joseph Lavelle Wilson and the Zukerman family. Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

No similar episodes found.

Similar Podcasts

NEWMORROW SESSIONS - A PodCast Series on the Future of Hospitality Mario C. Bauer, Florian Schneider, Axel Weber & Dr. Tillman Bardt The Newmorrow PodCast is more than a podcast — it's a platform for open dialog on the future of our business, a platform for those building what doesn’t exist yet. Here, we share and embrace our passion for the hospitality industry, but we won’t romanticize the journey. We ask the tough questions, confront uncomfortable truths, and prepare for a future that resists easy answers. We believe that the tougher and wilder times become, the more openly, honestly and humanely people need to talk to each other and act together. We believe, openness, togetherness, and truthfulness should also be cornerstones of a professional community to develop our utopian idea of „open source“. This is a space where visionaries don’t just imagine the future — they wrestle with the paradoxes that shape it: success vs. happiness, data vs. instinct, stability vs. reinvention. Join leaders, entrepreneurs, and thinkers as they share not what made them — but what’s actively shaping them, now and next. So tune in Elevatin' The GetRight Spot & The Love Algorithm Elevatin' The GetRight Spot & The Love Algorithm A podcast that expresses the journey of taking ideas and turning them into a successful website and business. Using an ideology, philosophy and mental science as motivation, we shall Elevate Bodybyloud! and The GetRight Spot. We also inspire everyone to elevate their lives and go after their dreams, desires., and abundance. The Health Odyssey: Navigating Tomorrow's Medicine Podcast Welcome to 'The Health Odyssey: Navigating Tomorrow's Medicine,' where we embark on an adventurous journey through the ever-evolving world of healthcare. Each episode is like a treasure map, guiding you through the rich tapestry of ancient healing arts mixed with futuristic tech wizardry. We’ll chat about the wild west of health data privacy, the corporate giants reshaping our care, and the mind-bending potential of psychedelics for mental wellness. Think of us as your trusty sidekicks, unraveling the mysteries of modern medicine while keeping it real and relatable. Let’s dive into the stories, the science, and the soul of healthcare, paving the way for a healthier tomorrow. Chosn Conversations: Beyond the Journal Chosn AI Journal Welcome to Chosn Conversations: Beyond the Journal, where your AI hosts explore the transformative power of conversational journaling and emotional intelligence. Each episode takes you beyond traditional journaling methods, diving deep into voice journaling techniques, mental wellness strategies, and the science behind AI-supported emotional health. We share inspiring user stories, analyze the latest research in digital mental wellness, and provide practical guidance for incorporating journaling into your self-care routine. Whether you're curious about AI therapy alternatives, looking for mental health support tools, or wanting to optimize your journaling practice, our conversations extend beyond the written page into meaningful audio experiences that offer evidence-based insights in an accessible, compassionate format. Join us as we navigate the intersection of technology and mental well-being, helping you track your emotional journey and build lasting resilience through the power of

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Science Vs?

This episode is 37 minutes long.

When was this Science Vs episode published?

This episode was published on April 2, 2026.

What is this episode about?

The apps on our phones do an amazing job of sucking us in. In fact, a big court case just found that some of these companies should be held responsible for basically designing products to be addictive. And that might not be shocking for lots of us,...

Can I download this Science Vs episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.