In this thought-provoking episode, Jules White lifts the curtain on the hidden side of social media - revealing how these platforms are designed to keep you hooked, distracted, and doubting yourself.

This isn’t about fear-mongering or quick fixes. It’s an honest look at how social media affects not just your focus and wellbeing, but the way you run your business - and why it might be time to step off the hamster wheel.

Jules explains how the same psychological triggers used in gambling - known as variable reward systems - are built into every scroll, notification, and ‘like’. You’ll also hear how algorithms reward outrage and comparison rather than calm, meaningful connection, and what that means for small business owners trying to play the game.

Most importantly, Jules offers a calmer alternative: focusing on owned content such as your website, Google Business Profile, or podcast - assets that compound over time instead of disappearing into the feed.

Key Takeaways

• The truth behind the platforms: Social media isn’t neutral - it’s designed to keep you scrolling, not to grow your business.
• The dopamine loop: How apps use the same behavioural triggers as slot machines to keep you hooked.
• Emotional manipulation: Why algorithms amplify anger and comparison to drive engagement.
• Health warnings we’re not getting: How experts are linking heavy social media use to anxiety and depression - and what that means for our industry.
• Practical first steps: Turn off notifications, notice your scrolling habits, and use that reclaimed time to build content you own.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Episode 102: Social Media Is Optional - How to Build a Calmer Business Without Constant Posting
• Episode 103: From Fleeting Posts to Lasting Assets - Why Your Website Should Be the Hub Of Your Content
• Episode 104: You’ve Been Sold a Lie: - Smarter Ways to Be Visible Without Social Media
• The Website Growth Club - a monthly membership for calm, sustainable marketing where social media is optional.
• Website Growth Audit - a one-to-one strategic review to help your website and Google presence do the heavy lifting for you.

If you’ve ever felt drained or trapped by social media, this episode will help you understand why - and show you how to take back control of your time, energy, and visibility.

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