Adam Alter

Who is Adam Alter?

Adam Alter is a Professor of Marketing at New York University’s Stern School of Business and the author of two books, Drunk Tank Pink, and Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked.

Topics and Timestamps

• 01Joe Rogan sits down with Adam Alter for an in-depth conversation.

The Show

# JRE #1564 Recap: Adam Alter on Technology, Addiction, and Human Behavior

On November 13, 2020, Joe Rogan welcomed Adam Alter to the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about technology, human psychology, and the systems designed to keep us hooked. Alter, a professor of marketing at NYU's Stern School of Business, has built his career studying the intersection of behavior and design, making him uniquely positioned to break down why modern technology feels impossible to resist.

Alter is best known for his research into addictive technology and the business strategies behind keeping users engaged. His book "Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked" examines how tech companies deliberately engineer products to be habit-forming. The book represents years of academic research into why smartphones, social media, and digital platforms have become so deeply embedded in human behavior. Through his work, Alter explores the psychological mechanisms that make these technologies so compelling and the intentional design choices that amplify their addictive qualities.

Beyond his work on modern tech addiction, Alter has also authored "Drunk Tank Pink," which delves into how seemingly minor environmental factors influence human behavior in surprising ways. The book's title references a famous study about the color pink and its effects on aggression and behavior, illustrating Alter's broader interest in how subtle external forces shape what we do and think.

During the podcast conversation, Alter shared his insights on these topics with Rogan, diving into the mechanics of how technology companies have weaponized principles of human psychology to create products that are difficult to put down. His academic perspective brought a research-backed lens to discussions about smartphone usage, social media engagement, and the broader cultural implications of living in a world saturated with attention-grabbing technology.

Alter's work at the Stern School of Business has given him access to data, research methodologies, and a network of collaborators that inform his understanding of both consumer behavior and corporate strategy. He approaches these topics not as a critic standing outside the system, but as someone embedded in the business world who understands how marketing, product development, and user psychology intersect.

The conversation between Rogan and Alter touched on general topics related to technology's role in modern life, though the specifics of their discussion centered on Alter's expertise in behavioral psychology and addictive design. For listeners familiar with Alter's previous work, this episode offered an opportunity to hear him articulate his research and theories directly, while those encountering his ideas for the first time gained an introduction to how intentionally designed products exploit human nature.

The episode represents the kind of intellectual conversation that the JRE is known for, bringing an expert into the studio to discuss how the world actually works beneath the surface. Alter's academic background and accessible communication style made complex ideas about technology and behavior understandable for a general audience, highlighting why his research has resonated with readers concerned about their relationship with their devices.