Your phone is a BIG part of the war on consciousness

I sit down with a student from the University of Colorado Boulder to talk about something that has become one of the defining issues of our time: the impact of smartphones and social media on our attention, nervous systems, and overall well-being.This is a topic I’ve been studying and teaching about for over a decade.The conversation traces back to the moment this work really began for me—around 2014, when I noticed something strange while trying to read a book. My attention kept drifting. I kept checking my phone. After finishing a PhD, I found myself wondering: Can I not read anymore?That moment of curiosity turned into years of research, teaching, and experimentation with students. What emerged from that process eventually became the Post-Internet Project, a body of work focused on helping people reclaim their attention, agency, and sense of meaning in the digital age.In this conversation we discuss:• Why digital detoxes often fail to create lasting change• The deeper root of media overconsumption: disconnection from values and purpose• How dopamine actually works in the brain (and why phones drain motivation for real life)• The emotional desensitization created by constant media consumption• How algorithmic feeds distort our perception of reality• The role of agency and choice in shaping our future relationship with technology• Thoughts on AI, attention, and personal sovereigntyAt the heart of this conversation is a simple idea:When people remember what actually brings them meaning, joy, and purpose, the phone naturally becomes less interesting.An InvitationI currently have a couple of one-on-one mentorship spaces available for March–May for people who want deeper support in realigning their relationship with attention, media, and daily life.This work is structured, focused, and designed to help people reconnect with what truly matters so their time, energy, and attention begin organizing around those values again.If you're interested, feel free to reach out. [email protected] the Post-Internet ProjectThe Post-Internet Project explores how humans can navigate the psychological, social, and spiritual challenges of the digital age.The goal is not simply to reduce screen time, but to help individuals reclaim agency, meaning, and clarity in a world shaped by powerful technologies.If you enjoyed this conversation:• Subscribe to the channel• Share with someone who might benefit• And take a moment today to put your phone down, breathe, and look around.Your attention is sacred.