The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie SantosWhy You're Still Using Social Media (Even If You Want to Stop) with Dr. Cass Sunstein
Why is social media so hard to quit? We waste hours scrolling, feel worse when we log off, and still find ourselves going back for more.
Dr. Laurie sits down with Dr. Cass Sunstein, co-author of (00:00:57) Nudge, to explore a new concept from the 2026 World Happiness Report: the “product trap.” Together, they unpack why we keep returning to platforms that make us unhappy — and what it might take to finally break free.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology
Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness
“The Welfare Effects of Social Media”
“When Product Markets Become Collective Traps: The Case of Social Media”
In 1 playlist(s)
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
You might think you know what it takes to lead a happier life… more money, a better job, or Instagra…Social links
Follow podcast
Recent clips
The Hidden Beliefs That Shape Your Happiness with Shawn Achor
43:05
The Art of Doing Nothing
35:16
What Screen Time Is Really Doing to Your Body with Manoush Zomorodi
45:33