How Technology Hijacks Your Brain (And How to Fight Back)
Review of Hal Gottfried’s The Psychology of Technology
This book is an easy read. Even though some concepts are technical, the author does a good job of explaining them in layman’s terms
Let’s be real—you picked up your phone at least 3 times while reading that headline. I get it. I’m guilty too. But after reading Hal Gottfried’s The Psychology of Technology, I finally understand why we’re all stuck in this loop… and more importantly, how to break free.
Here’s the scary truth:
1. Your Brain is Addicted to Half-Focus
- Continuous Partial Attention: That’s the fancy term for when you’re “working” while simultaneously scrolling Instagram, replying to WhatsApp, and pretending to listen to your partner.
- The Cost: Studies show this slashes productivity by 40%. (Translation: That “busy” workday could’ve been 4 hours shorter if you just focused.)
Try This Today: The Pomodoro Technique—25 minutes of deep work, 5-minute break. Your brain will thank you.
2. Algorithms Are Manipulating You
Every click, like, or pause trains AI to:
- Feed you more outrage (for engagement).
- Trap you in a personalised echo chamber (so you never see opposing views).
- Keep you scrolling (even when you’re miserable).
Wake-Up Call: Your phone isn’t a tool. It’s a slot machine designed to addict you.
3. Relationships Are Being Outsourced to Apps
- Dating: Infinite swipes = zero effort to fix real issues.
- Parenting: iPad = 21st-century pacifier.
- Friendships: Reacting to stories ≠ , real connection.
Gottfried’s Fix: The best relationships need old-school ingredients: eye contact, vulnerability, and putting the damn phone away.
4. Your Sleep is Being Stolen
- Blue light = melatonin killer (that’s your sleep hormone).
- Worse: Poor sleep doubles your risk for anxiety and depression.
Pro Tip: Charge your phone outside the bedroom. Yes, tonight.
The Bottom Line
This book isn’t anti-tech—it’s pro-you. Gottfried gives practical fixes to:
✅ Reclaim your focus (Pomodoro FTW).
✅ Spot algorithmic manipulation.
✅ Protect your relationships and mental health.
Rating: 9/10. If you’ve ever felt “tech owns me,” read this.
Action Step: Put one tip into practice today (start with Pomodoro!). Drop a comment if you’ve noticed these traps in your life.
