Social media and other apps are deliberately designed by tech companies to be addictive, which is a major contributor to the current mental health crisis.

“This is not on us. They designed it to be addictive. They've done research to make it maximally addictive. They push it on children. They tried to get Instagram kids for even littleer kids. They know what they're doing. They've done the research.”

Constant engagement with devices creates a cycle of compulsive use that behaves like other forms of chemical addiction by affecting dopamine pathways.

“when you look at studies and the data, it has the reward pathway and dopamine. And these brain patterns, the brain waves mimic addictive behaviors.”

Social media companies are responsible for part of the problem of digital addiction due to the dopamine-triggering design of their apps.

“So this issue is kind of a sticky wicket because of course social media companies are responsible for part of the problem because again, dopamine response”

Social media platforms should be held to a standard of honesty regarding their impact and potential for addiction.

“it's not blaming the platform. It's it's it's a mindset. It's this idea that yes, I get it. You're selling a product. You're selling a service. Go for it. Fantastic. Do what you have to do. But don't lie to me. Don't don't don't give me a lie that is so outrageous that it goes beyond gaslighting.”

Social media usage can have genuine psychological impacts on individuals even if not classified as a clinical addiction.

“it's still it is having an impact on people's psychology on on on on their their behavior.”

The host believes that dedicated retreats or centers focused on overcoming digital addiction present a viable and valuable business opportunity.

“having these Retreats or centers or like things focused around not the drugs not the alcohol but addiction centers for digital addictions I know that sounds so stupid and anybody listening might think oh digital addictions aren't a real thing they're a real thing”