Is the internet making us miserable?
We are living through the largest psychological experiment in history. For often hours each day, billions of us bury ourselves in devices designed to manipulate our emotions and attention. Changing the human mind to be more compulsive and addicted is simply good business for many tech companies, but it may be having a profound effect on our mental health. “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?” asked a cover story in The Atlantic, citing skyrocketing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among young smartphone users.
And yet— what does the research really say about how tech use affects our happiness? Is the modern “techlash” too pessimistic? Is tech just the latest punching bag for age-old issues like addiction and depression? How are smartphones changing the way we focus, socialize, and experience emotion? Can phones actually help us lead happier, more meaningful lives? Join us as we discuss the ways the little devices in our pockets are having a big effect on our minds.
Featuring iSchool Professor David Levy and Assistant Professor Alexis Hiniker, and Seattle University faculty Joshua Johnston. Moderated by University of Washington Lecturer Paul Franco. Presented by Humanities Washington in partnership with Town Hall Seattle and the Information School.
Event is open to all ages – registration is required.