Irresistible

“We limit how much technology our kids use at home.” 

This quote is from Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple and creator of the iPad. Alter uses the quote to indicate that there is good reason to be suspicious of highly addictive gadgets. 

“Irresistible traces the rise of addictive behaviors, examining where they begin, who designs them, the psychological tricks that make them so compelling, and how to minimize dangerous behavioral addiction as well as harnessing the same science for beneficial ends.”

This passage furnishes a helpful summary of the entire book’s contents in just a few words. 

“In many respects, substance addictions and behavioral addictions are very similar. They activate the same brain regions, and they’re fueled by some of the same basic human needs: social engagement and social support, mental stimulation, and a sense of effectiveness.” 

Alter spends much of the book comparing substance and behavioral addictions, but ultimately posits, as he does here, that they function similarly in the brain.