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Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked
by
Adam Alter
Welcome to the age of behavioral addiction—an age in which half of the American population is addicted to at least one behavior. We obsess over our emails, Instagram likes, and Facebook feeds; we binge on TV episodes and YouTube videos; we work longer hours each year; and we spend an average of three hours each day using our smartphones. Half of us would rather suffer a br
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Hardcover, 368 pages
Published
March 7th 2017
by Penguin Press
(first published 2017)
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Community Reviews
(showing 1-30)
Apr 20, 2017
Canadian Reader
rated it
it was ok
Shelves:
did-not-finish,
nonfiction,
modernity,
social-media,
technology,
addiction,
critiques,
media,
social-science
I read as far as the fifth chapter in Alter's book and learned a few interesting things along the way. However, based on what I did read, I found the book's subtitle inaccurate. Huge amounts of the first four chapters are dedicated to substance and behavioural addictions, in general, not "addictive technology" per se. There was interesting information about the importance of context or environment in addiction. Alter provides the example of veterans of the Vietnam war, many of whom used heroin w
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Take it with a huge grain of salt. There are some fun cocktail-party facts and some reasonable suggestions for changing your own habits, which are fine as "hey, why not try it, it might work for you."
It's just not much good as "scientific evidence proves that..."
[For example: Experimental group improved by a "dramatic" 40%, but control group improved by only a "paltry" 30%! ... which actually meant that group A improved by 5 points out of 50, and B by 3 points out of 50! ... which is probably a ...more
It's just not much good as "scientific evidence proves that..."
[For example: Experimental group improved by a "dramatic" 40%, but control group improved by only a "paltry" 30%! ... which actually meant that group A improved by 5 points out of 50, and B by 3 points out of 50! ... which is probably a ...more
Having had a few days to think about the implications of this book, it rather confirms what some of us already know and most are in deep denial about-----social media is the realm of the shallow, the ill-informed and the lazy. Critical thinking skills not welcome. Learning and intellectual curiosity not welcome. Knowledge not required. Honesty and truth always in question.
It is our brave new world's soma. It's the drug that does effect our brains and keep us addicted to nonsense and it's a huge ...more
It is our brave new world's soma. It's the drug that does effect our brains and keep us addicted to nonsense and it's a huge ...more
Uma ótima análise do que torna muitas tecnologias viciantes. Alter começa o livro explicando sobre vício (por causa dele me interessei pelo The Biology of Desire: Why Addiction Is Not a Disease), para em seguida passar por como cada tecnologia desperta eles. Como redes sociais, por exemplo, estão todos os dias rodando testes A/B justamente para aumentar nossa retenção nas plataformas. E como praticamente qualquer CEO das empresas de tecnologia não deixam os filhos chegarem perto de celulares, ta
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This book is essential reading. I can't stop thinking about it or talking about it. I particularly appreciate the way the book breaks down what appears to be a wild lack of willpower (I'm looking at myself!) into its component parts of behavioral addiction. I am thinking differently about the consequences of my screen time (and my children's) and about the approaches I take to curb my excess. Well-written, well-researched, well-timed. I will be giving out many copies of this book to family and f
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This is a gutless book.
Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked purports to be an examination of contemporary media and their addictive qualities, yet very few of these pages explore any such ground. Rather, Alter parades psychological experiment after psychological experiment after psychological experiment, one after another, again and again, mice pressing levers to receive the orgasm drug, pigeons pecking buttons for food pellets, kittens kept in dar ...more
Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked purports to be an examination of contemporary media and their addictive qualities, yet very few of these pages explore any such ground. Rather, Alter parades psychological experiment after psychological experiment after psychological experiment, one after another, again and again, mice pressing levers to receive the orgasm drug, pigeons pecking buttons for food pellets, kittens kept in dar ...more
For anyone who has checked messages on a smart phone more than 4 times a day this book is for you. For anyone who has spent more than 2 hours a day in front of a computer screen this book is for you. For anyone who has played a video game or an internet game for more than one hour a day this book is for you. For the rest of us this book is a caution, and is quite informative.
My takeaway rhetorical question: does it make sense for a book about technological addiction to be published as an eBook as well as print? Followup: will taking the time to post it to a social media book review website prove or disprove the book's byline?
I went in a believer and left a skeptic. Too many pat conclusions when the research and studies demands more investigations. This felt too much like a repeat of the dire warnings that came with radio, television, and computers changing things fo ...more
I went in a believer and left a skeptic. Too many pat conclusions when the research and studies demands more investigations. This felt too much like a repeat of the dire warnings that came with radio, television, and computers changing things fo ...more
A clear a crisp attack on Hooked by Nir Eyal.
I picked this book aiming to help me in my own addition towards technology - so yes, I had an agenda. But this beauty really entertained me with some astounding data and a focussed extrapolation of what might become of us if we continue.
'Man's evolution has been hand-in-hand with it's desire to be lazy' - this is a depressing yet awakening fact that we need to realize. As much as people might misuse, abuse or overuse the term 'innovation', it is just ...more
I picked this book aiming to help me in my own addition towards technology - so yes, I had an agenda. But this beauty really entertained me with some astounding data and a focussed extrapolation of what might become of us if we continue.
'Man's evolution has been hand-in-hand with it's desire to be lazy' - this is a depressing yet awakening fact that we need to realize. As much as people might misuse, abuse or overuse the term 'innovation', it is just ...more
Originally reviewed at The Book Wheel.
Like most people I have a love/hate relationship with technology. I love waking up in the mornings and checking my Twitter feed and the news but I hate how the distraction can make me run late. I love the satisfaction of hitting my step goals but I hate that I feel compelled to log what I eat. I love being connected to other people but I hate the guilt that comes with not responding to something right away.
These situations are not unique to me but that does ...more
Like most people I have a love/hate relationship with technology. I love waking up in the mornings and checking my Twitter feed and the news but I hate how the distraction can make me run late. I love the satisfaction of hitting my step goals but I hate that I feel compelled to log what I eat. I love being connected to other people but I hate the guilt that comes with not responding to something right away.
These situations are not unique to me but that does ...more
It's hard to say that I enjoyed this book, because it is disturbing, depressing, and sad...but I loved it and enjoyed reading it so much. Irresistible was so informative, providing a great context for the world we live in and the one we're on our way to living in. I so appreciate having the curtain pulled back on behavioral addiction, especially how it relates to social media, gaming, and virtual reality. I feel like I can make better decisions for myself and kids regarding technology, preparing
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A startling look at our dependence on technology -- one that hits very close to home!
SOOOOO FASCINATING! I love learning about how things work, so this book was perfect!!! I loved every part of it.
I just finished reading the book Irresistible by Adam Alter. This book looks at our addiction to technology (smartphones, email, gaming, fitness tracking, etc). It starts by reviewing the research on behavioural addiction (what it is and where it came from), how to create addictive experiences, and solutions for living in a world where abstinence from technology isn't an option. It's different than the other UX books I've read in that it made me think about the ethics of creating addictive us
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Note: the author is a friend and former colleague.
4.5 stars. Like Alter, I study the psychology of human decision making (I'm getting a PhD; I went to undergrad where and when Alter got his PhD, which is how we know each other). The further I get into my studies, the harder of a time I have reviewing popular treatments of the field, because so much of the research presented is often review for me. That's less the case here than with other popular psych books I've read recently, though, because ...more
4.5 stars. Like Alter, I study the psychology of human decision making (I'm getting a PhD; I went to undergrad where and when Alter got his PhD, which is how we know each other). The further I get into my studies, the harder of a time I have reviewing popular treatments of the field, because so much of the research presented is often review for me. That's less the case here than with other popular psych books I've read recently, though, because ...more
A fascinating, informative and slightly frightening look at our burgeoning addictions to technology. Looking at why and how this is happening but also suggesting how we can manage it this is a book that everyone who owns a computer, a mobile phone, or a tablet should read. It has certainly made me much more mindful of the way in which I use and the frequency that I use technology. Written in an accessible and interesting fashion that will appeal to the reader this is an important book that makes
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I find many of the non-fiction books I read unmemorable. I think this is because many of them read as a collection of short essays that revolve around a chapter theme instead of following a cohesive narrative. Irresistible by Adam Alter, which comments on the rise of addictive technologies, follows this random structure.
While there are the occasional interesting idea or story, such as the browser extension "The Demetricator", which removes the number of likes, shares and comments from Facebook ...more
While there are the occasional interesting idea or story, such as the browser extension "The Demetricator", which removes the number of likes, shares and comments from Facebook ...more
This is a very important book on a topic that I've been thinking a lot about recently. There is a hidden societal cost on our population's obsession with smartphones and social media, that is not talked about and poorly understood. This book explores behavioural addiction, how it compares to previous addictions (like substance addiction) and what causes it. There's a good mix of research and anecdotes in this book, and the book is very easy to devour in a couple days.
I think there's going to be ...more
I think there's going to be ...more
This book is absolutely, astoundingly, brain-dripping-out-of-my-ear, dreadful. Once more, a 'researcher' explores digital media and - with little evidence and a lot of hyperbole - locates "The addict in all of us." Supposedly, online pornography, gaming and mobile phones have made 'all of us' addicts.
There is no understanding of the sociology of the internet, footnotes - or even in-text referencing - is absent. The randomness is infuriating. The binge watching of Breaking Bad on Netflix is compa ...more
There is no understanding of the sociology of the internet, footnotes - or even in-text referencing - is absent. The randomness is infuriating. The binge watching of Breaking Bad on Netflix is compa ...more
An eye opening book that is a bit disturbing in its implications.
This was on pace to be a 5 star book for me, but the final chapter which covers possible solutions to deal with addictive technology was not as strong as I had hoped.
Here are some quotes I marked from the book for later review:
“The highest risk period for addiction is early adulthood. Very few people develop addictions later in life fi they haven’t been addicted in adolescence. One of the major reasons is that young adults are bombarded by a galaxy of responsibilities that they’re not equipped t ...more
Here are some quotes I marked from the book for later review:
“The highest risk period for addiction is early adulthood. Very few people develop addictions later in life fi they haven’t been addicted in adolescence. One of the major reasons is that young adults are bombarded by a galaxy of responsibilities that they’re not equipped t ...more
Think about this: The people who create the devices do not let their children play them. The people who create the games we love get addicted to playing them. Our brains betray us everyday by allowing big businesses to use us like rats in a maze to get rich. If those ideas concern you, then read this book. This book was well written and interesting. I appreciated how the author added many interesting tidbits about games, the people who created them, and some history about how they were created.
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A Thought-Provoking Audio Book
In the opening pages of this book, I learned that some of the inventors of new technology do not allow their children to use this technology because of the addictive nature of it. For example, Steve Jobs children did not have an iPad even though their father created it. Jobs was aware and concerned about the addictive nature of the iPhone and iPad for his children. IRRESISTIBLE is an interesting audio book. I heard it cover to cover.
Alter is originally from South A ...more
In the opening pages of this book, I learned that some of the inventors of new technology do not allow their children to use this technology because of the addictive nature of it. For example, Steve Jobs children did not have an iPad even though their father created it. Jobs was aware and concerned about the addictive nature of the iPhone and iPad for his children. IRRESISTIBLE is an interesting audio book. I heard it cover to cover.
Alter is originally from South A ...more
Alter highlights how there may not be as much of a difference as one might think between the addictive potential of substances and behaviours. He talks about how, for instance, many apps such as Facebook and Instagram, are perfectly engineered to keep user hooked. I never quite realised the power of variable rewards - the dopamine hit of these often outweigh that of predictable rewards. While research on behavioural addictions is not as substantial as that on substance addictions, it is nonethel
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It's time to introduce media-ed into school curricula, just as we now have phys-ed. We need books like these to be accessible to kids, and to reach kids. Kids need to understand the processes through which they are hooked; so much deliberate exploitation of human weaknesses, so much disregard for what the consumer really needs. Here's to hoping addictive media will soon be treated as the next tobacco industry. Because the best antidote to corporate-generated addiction is a lot, a lot of awarenes
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A really in depth and interesting look at phenomena that rule our day to day lives.
Should be required reading for parents of children born in a post facebook and smartphone era, I know it's definitely given me some pointers when the time comes for me. May well be easier said than done however!
Keep them coming Mr.Alter, it's hard to find non fiction texts that are interesting and relevant and Irresistible is definitely those!
Also have to mention however that whenever I read the title I'd get Rob ...more
Should be required reading for parents of children born in a post facebook and smartphone era, I know it's definitely given me some pointers when the time comes for me. May well be easier said than done however!
Keep them coming Mr.Alter, it's hard to find non fiction texts that are interesting and relevant and Irresistible is definitely those!
Also have to mention however that whenever I read the title I'd get Rob ...more
An interesting book about addiction, technology and gaming. I did feel a little bad to be listening to an audiobook about technology addiction on my smart phone.
I'm actually going to re-read this one because this gave me a great deal to think about including me thoroughly evaluating myself. Many things I already knew but I learned a great deal.
I heard about this book via a review in the New York Times, and I found it just as addictive as the topic that Mr. Alter covers. The contents are fascinating and more than a little alarming to me. As a person who has fallen into several of the behavioral addictions that are mentioned, reading this helped me to realize what changes might be necessary not only in my own life but in the lives of my future children. I've been recommending it to all of my coworkers and friends, particularly as many o
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Adam Alter is an Associate Professor of Marketing and Psychology at New York University’s Stern School of Business, and the author of Drunk Tank Pink, a New York Times bestseller about the forces that shape how we think, feel, and behave, and Irresistible, a book about the rise of tech addiction and what we should do about it.
Alter was recently included in the Poets and Quants “40 Most Outstandin ...more
More about Adam Alter...
Alter was recently included in the Poets and Quants “40 Most Outstandin ...more
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“Walter Isaacson, who ate dinner with the Jobs family while researching his biography of Steve Jobs, told Bilton that, “No one ever pulled out an iPad or computer. The kids did not seem addicted at all to devices.” It seemed as if the people producing tech products were following the cardinal rule of drug dealing: never get high on your own supply.”
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“In 2000, Microsoft Canada reported that the average human had an attention span of twelve seconds; by 2013 that number had fallen to eight seconds. (According to Microsoft, a goldfish, by comparison, has an average attention span of nine seconds.)”
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