Adam Alter Discusses New Book, "Irresistible", with Author and Journalist Malcolm Gladwell
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Professor Elizabeth Morrison, Vice Dean of Faculty, welcomed Professor Adam Alter and esteemed author and journalist Malcolm Gladwell, to a packed Paulson Auditorium for a conversation on Professor Alter’s latest book, Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked. Nearly 400 alumni, students, and faculty set aside their phones to learn about the complexities of addiction and how it manifests in the modern age.
Professor Alter and Gladwell compared the addictive characteristics of cigarettes and technology and discussed the distinction between addiction and distractibility. They spoke about the lack of built-in "stopping rules" in today’s digital age, thanks to bottomless newsfeeds and next episode auto-plays, and put forth ideas for setting up one's own limitations.
Stern students and alumni prompted further consideration with their questions, and continued the conversation at the cocktail reception and book signing following the talk.
Watch the conversation on Facebook Live:
View photos from the event:
Media Coverage for Irresistible
Related Articles & Videos
Professor Alter and Gladwell compared the addictive characteristics of cigarettes and technology and discussed the distinction between addiction and distractibility. They spoke about the lack of built-in "stopping rules" in today’s digital age, thanks to bottomless newsfeeds and next episode auto-plays, and put forth ideas for setting up one's own limitations.
Stern students and alumni prompted further consideration with their questions, and continued the conversation at the cocktail reception and book signing following the talk.
Watch the conversation on Facebook Live:
View photos from the event:
Media Coverage for Irresistible
- Thrive Global: “The Psychology Of Tech Addiction and Why Going Cold Turkey Doesn’t Work”
- NPR: “'Irresistible' By Design: It's No Accident You Can't Stop Looking At The Screen”
- New York Times: “Resist the Internet”
- NYU Stern: Irresistible Book Spotlight
- NY Times: “Why we can’t look away from our screens”
- Washington Post: | “Subtle and insidious, technology is designed to addict us”
- Outside: “How to Use Your Phone With Intention”
- The Telegraph: “How to become a viral sensation”
- Financial Times: "How the world became hooked on social media"
- Financial Times: "These ‘read it later’ apps offer respite from digital overload"
- Forbes: “Recommended Reading: Top 17 Creative Leadership Book Picks For 2017”
- New York Magazine: “15 Books That Will Nurture Your Nerdier Side in 2017”
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