Nir Eyal — The Psychology of Addictive Products (EP.266)

In this episode of Infinite Loops, Jim O'Shaughnessy interviews Nir Eyal, author of "Hooked" and "Indistractable," about the principles of habit-forming products and their ethical implications. They discuss the four-step "Hook Model"—trigger, action, reward, and investment—and how it can be used for good, such as in education and fitness apps, or for potentially harmful purposes, like encouraging excessive trading or gambling. Eyal introduces the "regret test" to differentiate between persuasion and coercion, advocating for the ethical use of manipulation. The conversation also explores the impact of AI on behavior modification, the challenges of over-diagnosis of conditions like ADHD, and the importance of personal agency and forethought in overcoming impulsiveness and distraction. They touch on the role of autonomy in child development and the potential for AI to personalize education.