Technology and independent thinking barely coexist anymore. You pull out your phone before deciding where to eat. You open GPS before trusting your instincts about which route to take. You search symptoms before calling a doctor. When exactly did checking replace thinking?

Apple sold the idea of unleashing creativity in 1984. The Macintosh was actually a black box. Dr. Paolo Granata's claim: we're controlled not by Orwell's oppression but by Huxley's pleasure, where too much entertainment makes thinking unnecessary. The evidence: you consult your phone before making decisions, like dogs waiting for owners to feed them.

Discover how Apple's 1984 rebellion evolved into today's digital dependency. Understand the difference between Orwell's dystopia of control and Huxley's dystopia of pleasure. Granata reveals why we consult computers before making decisions and what that shift actually means.

Topics: technology and independent thinking, Apple 1984 commercial, digital dependency, Orwell dystopia, creative freedom, media ecology

GUEST: Dr. Paolo Granata | http://www.paologranata.it
His new book: Generative Knowledge - Think Learn Create with AI

Originally aired on 2026-01-22

Technology and independent thinking barely coexist anymore. You pull out your phone before deciding where to eat. You open GPS before trusting your instincts about which route to take. You search symptoms before calling a doctor. When exactly did checking replace thinking?
Apple sold the idea of unleashing creativity in 1984. The Macintosh was actually a black box. Dr. Paolo Granata's claim: we're controlled not by Orwell's oppression but by Huxley's pleasure, where too much entertainment makes thinking unnecessary. The evidence: you consult your phone before making decisions, like dogs waiting for owners to feed them.
Discover how Apple's 1984 rebellion evolved into today's digital dependency. Understand the difference between Orwell's dystopia of control and Huxley's dystopia of pleasure. Granata reveals why we consult computers before making decisions and what that shift actually means.
Topics: technology and independent thinking, Apple 1984 commercial, digital dependency, Orwell dystopia, creative freedom, media ecology
GUEST: Dr. Paolo Granata |<a href="http://www.paologranata.it"> http://www.paologranata.it </a>His new book: Generative Knowledge - Think Learn Create with AI
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-22

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.