Hello!
My name is Maria and today we’re talking about “Irresistible” by Adam Alter.
This book is about the rise of addictive technology and how businesses use specific techniques to get us hooked on their products.
I found this book really interesting and it made me change some of the ways I use technology.
A lot of times with the way technology is developed and the use of streaks to incentivize us to use a certain app, we’ve become preoccupied with goals.
We want to reach the milestone of 5, maybe 10 days of using an app and we get rewards for doing so.
However, this focus on milestones creates a state of near continuous failure.
Once we complete a certain milestone or a certain streak, we want more and go to the next one and we want rewards, but we’re never really satisfied.
So what is the solution, how do we get away from focusing on streaks and going into this never-ending cycle of trying to reach the next milestone?
Alter shares the idea of not having goals but rather focusing on systems.
Systems are something you do on a regular basis that increase your chances of being happy in the long run.
The systems can be applied to any part of your life, whether that be reading, writing, exercise.
It’s a matter of re-aligning yourself to focus on the moment and enjoy the process.
Rather than always being focused on milestones and reaching goals that are unattainable.
Mental architecture is about creating an environment around us that allows us to thrive.
Now in today’s world it’s very unrealistic to expect us to be completely detached from technology.
However, creating an environment that helps us be productive with our technology, that is what mental architecture is all about.
Essentially, whatever is nearby us will have a greater influence on our behavior.
Proximity is important in various parts of our life.
Alter shares examples of studies that have proven that the people that live closest to you are most likely to be your friends.
The same thing is true if you constantly see notifications on your phone, chances are we’re going to check those specific apps.
Essentially, Alter through the idea of mental architecture highlighted to me that companies as well as individuals have to create environments around them that are conducive for productivity.
So now, let me give you a brief summary of the positives and who I think should be reading this book.
Alter explains the stories and ideas behind what is used and the way people develop technology nowadays.
It also gives you practical ways of combatting issues that may come up when you’re using addictive technology.
A great thing about this book is that it’s very relevant for todays world.
This information is very relevant and will help you understand the nature of the apps and technology that we’re using.
I think businesses, parents, and kids should definitely read this book.
If you’re a young person, a kid you can understand how this technology can help you but can also hurt you.
If you’re a parent it can help you be a better parent in terms of how you interact with your kids and teach them about the dangers and benefits of using technology.
If you’re a company, there are various examples of how businesses have used mental architecture and other ideas to help create a more productive environment and become more aware of some of the addictive dangers that come along with using technology.
That’s it, that’s my book review of “Irresistible” by Adam Alter.
If you want more information on the author or you want to see what I talked about here in a written format please head over to my blog www.promotekdbook.com.
Next week I’ll be back with another book review.
But until then keep reading and keep learning!
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HNJIK70
(6 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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