Irresistible: Why We Can’t Stop Checking, Scrolling, Clicking and Watching

Adam Alter

Random House, Mar 2, 2017 - Psychology - 368 pages

Almost half of the developed population has an internet-based addiction. In some ways this is not surprising, as our world is filled with addictive experiences: from social media and messaging, to rolling news and video streaming. Attention spans are decreasing as our time spent glued to our screens are increasing, negatively affecting our ability to relax, sleep, develop relationships and achieve meaningful goals. Psychologist Adam Alter provides insight into why explains the science behind why we can't seem to stop such behaviour and offers practical advice for using technology differently, in order to lead a happier life, and to set yourself free.

‘This examination of today’s tech-zombie epidemic is worth putting your phone down for’ Guardian
'Essential reading... Regain control of your time, finances and relationships'

Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit

What people are saying

LibraryThing Review

User Review  - rivkat - LibraryThing

Pre-pandemic attack on the designers of addictive tech, especially our phones. Makes much of the fact that many Silicon Valley parents don’t let their kids use devices: “Can you imagine the outcry if ...

LibraryThing Review

User Review  - CarrieWuj - LibraryThing

A little chilling in that modern tech seems to be about fostering addiction and finding ways to keep us obsessively connected. I've seen traces of this among people I know who respond to every ping of ...

About the author

Adam Alter is an Associate Professor at New York University's Stern School of Business, and holds an affiliated appointment within the Psychology Department. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller Drunk Tank Pink: And Other Unexpected Forces That Shape How We Think, Feel and Behave and has written for The New York Times, New Yorker, Atlantic, Wired, Popular Science and numerous other publications.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Irresistible: Why We Can’t Stop Checking, Scrolling, Clicking and Watching
• Author: Adam Alter
• Publisher: Random House, 2017
• ISBN: 1473523028, 9781473523029
• Length: 368 pages
• Subjects: Psychology / General; Psychology / Psychopathology / Addiction; Psychology / Psychopathology / Compulsive Behavior; Science / Philosophy & Social Aspects; Self-Help / Personal Growth / General; Social Science / Disease & Health Issues; Social Science / Popular Culture; Technology & Engineering / Social Aspects