Every major social platform including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X, all run on lots and lots of data. Profile details, clicks, shares, watch time, device info, and location tracking all feed the algorithm and power targeted advertising. While each platform has its own privacy policy, they all rely heavily on behavioral data to keep ads personalized and profitable.

Have you ever bought something online without thinking, only to question your decision a few minutes later? If so, you’re not alone.

The conversation around AI usually circles the same topics: is it a tool, collaborator, or competitor? But honestly, none of those feel like a proper description. The more I use AI in my design process, the more I see it as something different, an accelerant.

The important question is, how much are we losing? If even Steve Jobs restricts and limits his child’s screen usage, how big of a problem is this?

The widely popular tech designer, Nir Eyal believes that we as individuals must look inward to understand the eager need for distractions primarily taking place on our phone (Hari).

In Stolen Focus, Hari shares how in the same way magicians know and use your weaknesses against you, designers and tech professionals do the same. Although these designers may have the intention to do good, it is often the opposite.

Stolen focus by Joanne Hari, is a very interesting read based on how technology and the fast pace of society contributes to the way our minds are overwhelmed and exhausted.