The Hidden Psychological Cost of Our Tech Obsession — A Cyberpsychologist Explains

takeaways

1. Dr Elaine Kasket describes technology as a 'third' presence in relationships, changing how we communicate and experience power, privacy and control across the whole lifespan.

2. She argues we are being nudged towards 'machine goals' like productivity, efficiency and optimisation, while emotional avoidance is sold as something an app can solve.

3. The discussion covers 'attentional infidelity' and the 'still face' experiment, exploring how distraction and blank screen-gazing affect connection and even our own emotional processing.

4. Kasket says a genuine relationship with AI isn't possible because it lacks reciprocity — the AI never needs you, and serving others is described as a key source of meaning and purpose.

5. She frames much digital overwhelm as designed dependence and manipulation by platforms, criticising narratives that blame individuals ('dopamine hits') and the digital-detox wellness industry.

6. Her book Reset (also Reboot as an audiobook) reimagines Erik Erikson's lifespan stages with technology 'stirred in', from digital gestation to digital afterlives and grief bots.

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