In this episode, we talk about the enormous amount of data that is collected from tech companies each day; The amount may surprise you. Big tech companies make you more addicted to their products by collecting data from you so they can curate them just to your liking.

Here are just some of the ways they gather data from you:

• Big Tech and Social Media apps collect an enormous amounts of data each day and we will recommend secure social media platforms where your data is safe and not being used against you

• Your web browser also collects data through cookies and we will give you safer alternatives all in the guise of keeping your data protected and you less addicted

In this podcast episode, we will give you tricks to protect your data and make you less addicted.

Have you ever seen a deceptive pattern online like : " Click here to buy this product... Unless you don't like saving money".

This is an example of Confirmshaming a type of dark pattern we see online. Today we will be going over 3 dark patterns like this one that you probably have seen online but maybe can't recognize them as traps.

Here is what you will learn:

1) The roach motel dark pattern is a type of pattern that makes it easy to sign up to something but hard to cancel

2) Confirmshaming: a type of dark pattern that shames you into doing a specific behavior

3) The illusion of choice : makes you feel like you have a lot of choices but really influences you into a certain direction swaying your consumer choice

Make sure to listen until the end to hear all our tips to recognize these!

In today's episode we talked about the pleasure and pain balance that is oftentimes used to explain the acting mechanism of dopamine in our brains. We go over multiple tricks you can utilize to reinstate balance between pain and pleasure in your brain.

Here is what you'll learn:

• Dopamine from scrolling, swiping, and constant stimulation gives you short bursts of pleasure — but over time, it lowers your baseline for joy, and you start needing more and more just to feel “normal” again.

• Small acts of discomfort — like talking to a stranger in real life, cleaning your room, or doing physical exercise — activate the brain’s delayed reward systems.

• You don’t have to give up all pleasure or force yourself into a “hardcore” lifestyle just to be happy. The key is balance and we will help you obtain that.

Also, make sure to stick around until the end because we reveal a trend that people are doing online that involves pushing too much on the pain side (which is just as bad).

In this episode of Unplug, we explore what really happens when you quit your phone cold turkey—and why doing it without a plan can backfire. While ditching digital distractions sounds freeing, it can actually trigger unexpected emotional challenges that catch most people off guard.

We’ll break down the hidden side effects of stepping away from your phone and why simply deleting apps isn’t enough. You’ll learn:

• Why giving up your phone without replacing digital connection with real human interaction can lead to deep feelings of loneliness and isolation
• How your brain, wired for constant novelty from swiping and scrolling, reacts with anxiety and boredom when that stimulation suddenly disappears
• What you can do to navigate this transition: build real-world connections, embrace boredom as a growth tool, and manage the anxiety that surfaces in silence

Tune in to discover how to unplug in a way that’s mindful, intentional, and emotionally resilient—so you’re not just quitting your phone, but reconnecting with your life.

Can’t focus for more than 2 minutes?

In this episode, discover practical ways to rebuild your attention and feel more present.

Here is what you'll learn how to do:

• Break free from formulaic, binge-worthy content. Swap endless reels and series for long-form content—slow-paced movies, deep podcast conversations, and challenging books or audiobooks that actually nourish your mind.

• Maintain mental balance. Learn how avoiding both constant overstimulation and total boredom helps your focus thrive in the middle ground.

• Connect more deeply. Explore how engaging in long, meaningful conversations with friends and family beats shallow small talk every time.

Tune in and start reclaiming your focus, one intentional choice at a time. Also, make sure to stick around until the end of the episode because we talked about a trend that is revolutionizing the way we consume short form content.

Hey guys, we had a little hiatus recently as we were focusing on other projects outside of our podcast. We are back on schedule now and will be releasing more episodes in the coming weeks! Enjoy!

In this episode of Unplug, we take a step back from the endless pursuit of knowledge and ask: are we forgetting how to feel? With limitless access to digital information at our fingertips, it’s easy to assume we’re becoming smarter—but often, we’re just getting more disconnected from ourselves.

We’ll explore why emotional awareness is taking a backseat in the information age, and how you can reconnect with your inner world while still staying informed. You’ll learn:

• How limitless access to digital information isn’t necessarily making you smarter—instead, it can numb your senses with overload and shallow comprehension
• Why you might be consuming information from AI chatbots in a transactional way, missing out on deeper learning and self-reflection
• Practical strategies to stay curious and informed while staying grounded in your emotions

Tune in to learn how to balance your thirst for knowledge with a deeper emotional connection to yourself and the world around you.

In this episode of Unplug, we ask a simple question: is your smartphone too smart for your own good? With endless notifications, dopamine-triggering apps, and addictive design, it’s no surprise many of us struggle to stay focused. But the good news? You don’t need to throw your phone away to take back control.

We’ll share three easy tech tricks to help you reduce screen time, resist distractions, and reclaim your attention—without relying on willpower alone. You’ll learn:

• The one phone setting you can turn off right now to instantly reduce your screen time
• A simple change to your home screen that makes apps less tempting and gives you back your time
• How app limits and downtime can create invisible boundaries that protect your focus—especially on low-motivation days

Tune in to learn how to make your phone less addictive and your mind more present.

Feeling that unexpected pang of loneliness the moment you step away from your screen?

You're not alone in facing this digital dilemma. While social media promises constant connection, the act of disconnecting can feel isolating. But what if this initial challenge is actually the first step toward a richer, happier, and more fulfilling life?

In this episode of Unplug, we help you navigate the tough feelings of going offline.

Here's what you'll learn:

• Why unplugging can feel isolating and how to cope by building deeper, real-world connections that truly matter. Real connections start when you unplug.

• How to recognize the subtle FOMO traps and social cues that pull you back online. Avoid the comparison trap platforms push.

• How those early waves of FOMO can open the door to a more fulfilling life. Discover how focusing on meaningful experiences and goals offline brings real satisfaction and joy.

Tune in to reclaim your focus, build stronger relationships, and find true happiness beyond the screen

In this episode of Unplug, we explore how gaming has become normalized in today's culture, yet often fails to address the slippery slope toward time-wasting and lost productivity. What starts as harmless escapism can easily turn into gaming addiction and obsessive behavior if left unchecked.

We’ll show you how to keep gaming a positive part of your life, without letting it take over. You'll learn:

• Why gaming is marketed as self-care today
• The hidden risks of "just one more game" and how it can lead to obsessive behavior
• How to game mindfully—setting boundaries and staying focused on your goals

Tune in to learn how to enjoy gaming without losing your time, energy, or purpose.

Ever wondered how many months you lose on your phone each year?

In this episode, we look at the actual numbers and reveal how much time is wasted each year collectively on phones. These numbers are unfathomable and appalling and we teach you how to get your time back.

Here is what you'll learn from this episode:

The immense amount of time your phone takes away from your productivity every single day

The loss of productivity worldwide and how phone consumption might be behind it .

How to get back those two months of wasted time and reclaim your productivity

Make sure to stay tuned until the end because we reveal another trend on Snapchat that needs to finally meet its end.