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  • Published: 2 October 2017
  • ISBN: 9781784701659
  • Imprint: Vintage
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 368
  • RRP: $24.99

Irresistible

Why We Can’t Stop Checking, Scrolling, Clicking and Watching





Psychologist Adam Alter explains why we're addicted to technology and offers essential solutions for a happier life

Almost half of the developed population has an internet-based addiction. In some ways this is not surprising, as our world is filled with addictive experiences: from social media and messaging, to rolling news and video streaming. Attention spans are decreasing as our time spent glued to our screens are increasing, negatively affecting our ability to relax, sleep, develop relationships and achieve meaningful goals. Psychologist Adam Alter provides insight into why explains the science behind why we can't seem to stop such behaviour and offers practical advice for using technology differently, in order to lead a happier life, and to set yourself free.

‘This examination of today’s tech-zombie epidemic is worth putting your phone down for’ Guardian
'Essential reading... Regain control of your time, finances and relationships'

Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit

  • Published: 2 October 2017
  • ISBN: 9781784701659
  • Imprint: Vintage
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 368
  • RRP: $24.99

About the author

Adam Alter

Adam Alter is an Associate Professor at New York University's Stern School of Business, and holds an affiliated appointment within the Psychology Department. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller Drunk Tank Pink: And Other Unexpected Forces That Shape How We Think, Feel and Behave and has written for The New York Times, New Yorker, Atlantic, Wired, Popular Science and numerous other publications.

Praise for Irresistible

Essential reading if you’ve ever wondered why some experiences are so addictive, and how to regain control of your time, finances, and relationships

CHARLES DUHIGG, author of THE POWER OF HABIT

An important, groundbreaking book about why we're addicted to technology, how we got here, and what we should do next

ARIANNA HUFFINGTON, author of THRIVE

No one who has ever seen an advertisement, checked their email on a smartphone, or used the Internet will come away quite the same

DAVID EPSTEIN, author of THE SPORTS GENE

There could be no better guide than Adam Alter to a technological landscape that’s increasingly designed to turn us into addicts. Your sanity will thank you for reading it

OLIVER BURKEMAN, author of THE ANTIDOTE

In this smart, sharply-argued book, Adam Alter lays out the evidence for a hidden danger in our lives: behavioural addiction. A fascinating read that will leave you enlightened — and alarmed

DANIEL PINK, author of DRIVE

A truly addictive book ... a fascinating and much needed exploration of one of the most troubling phenomena of modern times

MALCOLM GLADWELL

Brilliant. Irresistible offers a crucial understanding of how we are psychologically tethered to our devices, along with much-needed solutions

SUSAN CAIN author of QUIET

Mixing the latest in behavioral science with briskly engaging storytelling, Adam Alter wakes us to an age-old problem that has found troubling new expression

TOM VANDERBILT, author of TRAFFIC

Fascinating ... compelling ... Irresistible makes some vital points

Daily Telegraph

Illuminating … fascinating

Gavin Francis, Observer

Irresistible digs down into exactly how technology has us hooked by tapping into our deepest needs and desires … brims with insightful studies

The Times

Alarming … a growing body of research [is] deftly outlined in this book

Sunday Times

A book which lives up to its title ... chock-full of stories, characters galore, and statistics to make you gasp. It's very entertaining

New Scientist

Contains smart and ­fascinating analysis of how social media apps, gambling sites and computer games have been engineered to hook users ... offers insights that apply far beyond the scope of internet addiction

New Statesman

Fascinating, salutary.

Daily Telegraph

It brims with insightful studies and explains arcane concepts with great clarity. Alter is not afraid to brand the gods of Silicon Valley hypocrites and pushers who are keenly aware that their products wreck lives.

Janice Turner, The Times

Fascinating

Monica Costa, London Mums

A brilliant and important book

Techregister
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