This is the book you hand to the parent who keeps asking 'Why can't my kid put down the iPad?' Alter doesn't just diagnose the problem—he reverse-engineers how companies design irresistible products and offers concrete strategies to fight back.
It's not anti-tech fearmongering. It's a smart, research-backed look at why we're all hooked and how to use that knowledge to set healthier boundaries. Some examples feel slightly dated (it's from 2018), but the core insights are timeless and incredibly useful for families trying to be intentional about screen time.
If you're a parent, educator, or just someone who wants to understand why you can't stop doomscrolling at 11 PM, this is essential reading. It won't make you throw your phone in the ocean, but it will make you think twice before opening Instagram for the 47th time today.






