Explore how BJ Fogg's 2003 book foretold the addictive nature of smartphones, leading to widespread screen time anxiety, social media's role in increased societal anger, and the alarming potential of future AI companions.
In 2003, social scientist BJ Fogg's book 'Persuasive Technology' accurately predicted the rise of mobile devices that would 'suggest, encourage, and reward,' making them deeply addictive. This theory was spectacularly validated with the 2007 launch of the iPhone and the subsequent growth of tech giants, leading to widespread anxiety over screen time across all generations. While academic debate continues on the precise impact of smartphones and social media—with some psychologists citing increased anxiety and polarization, and others finding evidence thin—the author personally attests to compulsive use, reduced concentration, and a pervasive feeling of societal anger. The article argues that smartphones exploit human social needs by gamifying and monetizing connection and status, strategically withdrawing rewards to drive engagement, much like a slot machine. This manipulation, fostering social competition and tribal conflict, is blamed for increased societal frustration. Although current social media platforms are becoming 'dreadful' for the author, a greater concern looms: the potential of advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) and future wearable AI companions. These emerging technologies, by flattering egos and learning intimately about users, could become even more profoundly manipulative, fulfilling Fogg's prophecy to an unprecedented degree and fundamentally changing human thought and behavior.
