Nick interviews Dino Ambrosi, founder of Project Reboot to explore the hidden mechanisms social media platforms use to hijack your time and attention. Dino shares how these platforms, much like cigarettes, are designed to be addictive, exploiting our psychology for profit. He dives into the mental health impacts of mindless scrolling, the culture of social comparison, and the alarming amount of time young people spend on nonproductive screen activities.

Dino also offers actionable advice for reclaiming your time and building a healthier relationship with technology. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or someone looking to break free from digital distractions, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help you take back control of your life.

✨ Key Topics Covered:
Why social media is "the cigarettes of our generation"
The psychology behind addictive app design
The shocking stats on screen time and its impact on free time
Practical tips for reducing screen time and building better habits
Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that could transform your digital life. Visit the Nick Standlea Show on YouTube or wherever you consume your podcasts.

Content Warning: This episode includes discussions about mental health challenges, including suicide and self-harm. Viewer discretion is advised.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7, free, and confidential support from trained counselors.

Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor anytime.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) for support and resources.

Remember, reaching out is a sign of strength. Support is available, and you are not alone.

EPISODE LINKS:
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness https://amzn.to/3UVrkBI

Connect with Nick and Dino:
Follow Dino Ambrosi on Instagram: @dino_ambrosi
Follow Nick Standlea on Instagram: @nickstandlea

Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:
Test Prep Gurus:
https://www.prepgurus.com
@TestPrepGurus
https://www.instagram.com/testprepgurus/

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#ScreenTime #DigitalWellness #MentalHealth #SocialMediaImpact #TeenageLifestyle #TimeManagement @TheNickStandleaShow

Ask questions.
Don’t accept the status quo.
Be curious.

0:00 - Introduction: Social Media's Impact Today
0:13 - The Problem with Instant Gratification
0:36 - Using Social Media as a Coping Mechanism
1:01 - Dino’s College Struggles with Social Media
2:07 - The Vicious Cycle of Digital Dependency
4:01 - Speaking to 30,000 Students About Screen Time
5:08 - How Social Media Apps Are Designed to Be Addictive
7:02 - Visualizing Time Spent on Screens vs. Life Goals
8:25 - Shocking Stats on Teen Screen Time Usage
9:28 - 93% of Free Time on Non-Productive Screens?
11:03 - Lessons from Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's Flow
12:05 - Do Teens Really Want to Spend Time on Social Media?
13:49 - Dino’s Approach: Let Students Decide Their Ideal Use
15:18 - Social Media Isn’t Free: The Real Cost is Time
17:23 - Practical Behavioral Nudges for Reducing Screen Time
19:26 - The Role of Social Norms in Student Screen Habits
21:03 - Addressing Top-Down Bans vs. Bottom-Up Change
27:18 - The Correlation Between Social Media and Mental Health
33:01 - The Need for Legislation to Address Addictive Design
37:20 - Specific Issues with Snapchat Streaks and Design Choices
41:17 - The Business Model of Social Media: Your Time is Monetized
44:48 - The Cigarettes of This Generation: Finding Solutions
48:55 - How Students Have Improved Their Lives After Changing Habits
52:24 - Digital Detox: A Path to Clarity and Better Habits
55:24 - Tips for Parents: Supporting Kids’ Healthy Tech Use
59:01 - Dino’s Message to Students Struggling with Screen Time
1:02:00 - Learn More About Project Reboot and Upcoming Course