Scrolling 2 Death

Do you always need to be productive, even when you’re not at work? As our families and careers grow, responsibilities pile on while time slips away. It’s no wonder that we try to maximize efficiency throughout the day. The smartphone seemed like a great solution, offering convenient ways to tackle our mental to-do lists. Amazon order? Done. Email reply? Sent. We’ve taken multi-tasking to a new level—but at what cost? Your claimed efficiency is diminishing your presence – especially with the people who matter most. Smartphone devices have trained our brains to always be “on.” A constant barrage of notifications, emails, and texts, along with the urge to check off tasks during our “downtime,” have replaced moments of rest, creativity, and reflection. But how do you define “downtime” now? While your kids are playing on the playground? Shouldn’t we prioritize our presence with them—watching our kids play or even joining them—rather than trying to be productive every minute of the day? Listen to a compelling conversation about the pros & cons of ditching the smartphone for a “healthier phone” to create a better balance in life. Clare Morell joins Nicki from Scrolling 2 Death to share her experience trying two popular, alternative phone brands. For a discount on the ⁠Wisephone⁠, use code: CLARE This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.  Learn about the Bark Phone: https://info.bark.us/scrolling2deathbp  Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids. https://info.bark.us/scrolling2death_bark *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFFLearn about the Bark Watch: https://barkparentalcontrols.pxf.io/c/5214646/2204011/17000 

Today, January 17, 2025, marks a monumental day as the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the controversial "TikTok divest-or-ban" law. This decision is being hailed as a major victory by advocates for online safety and national security, but it also leaves families, policymakers, and Big Tech wondering—what happens next? In this episode, we dive deep into the implications of this historic ruling. Will President Trump follow through with enforcing the law? What could this mean for your family, your kids, and the broader social media landscape? Plus, we explore why TikTok’s user base is migrating en masse to another Chinese-owned app, RedNote, and whether it poses similar concerns. To help us untangle the legal, political, and social ramifications, I’m joined by legislative expert Rick Lane, who has spent years on the frontlines of tech policy. Together, we tackle your burning questions, examine the potential ripple effects for Big Tech, and discuss how families can navigate this rapidly changing digital world. If you’re a parent, policymaker, or simply concerned about the future of social media, you won’t want to miss this episode. Rick Lane is a tech policy expert, child safety advocate, and the founder and CEO of IGGY Ventures LLC. IGGY advises and invests in companies, projects, and public policy initiatives that can positively impact society. ⁠Connect with Rick on LinkedIn⁠ [RESEARCH] The CCP's Digital Charm Offensive: How TikTok's Search Algorithm and Pro-China Influence Networks Indoctrinate GenZ Users in the United States This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark Phone Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch

In this conversation, Detective Patrick Craven discusses the alarming rise of fentanyl-related deaths among youth. We highlight the role of social media in facilitating drug transactions, the risks associated with experimentation, and the deceptive nature of counterfeit pills.  Patrick emphasizes the importance of parental awareness and education regarding the dangers of drug use in today's digital age. We provide essential guidance for parents on how to communicate the dangers of these substances to their children, the importance of being informed and proactive, and the life-saving potential of Naloxone. About Detective Patrick Craven Detective Patrick Craven is employed by the Placer County Sheriff's Office. Currently, he serves as the lead detective for the Placer Opioid Response Team (PORT), a specialized unit dedicated to addressing opioid-related issues. Before his role in PORT, Detective Craven spent four years as an undercover narcotics officer for the Placer County Special Investigation Unit (PSIU). In 2020, he began investigating fentanyl poisonings and has since been the lead detective on twenty-five cases involving fentanyl deaths. Detective Craven was the lead detective on California's first fentanyl poisoning homicide conviction as well as the state’s second fentanyl poisoning homicide conviction by trial. In total, Detective Craven has successfully obtained three fentanyl poisoning homicide convictions and one manslaughter conviction. Detective Craven possesses unparalleled expertise in investigating fentanyl poisoning homicides and is leading the way in this specialized field. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark Phone Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch 

We once rejoiced at the technology advancements for our children—cell phones offered a sense of security (mostly for us), tablets provided endless learning resources, and social media promised enhanced connections with peers, all at little or no cost. But the actual cost has been steep: a surge in harmful content, bad actors, and a growing mental health crisis. Behind it all, tech giants built addictive, amoral algorithms to trap kids in a cycle of engagement  - all in the name of data collection (aka profit). Now, schools are paying the price. Social media-related disruptions are driving up costs and straining resources. In this episode, attorney Joel Wright and Nicki from Scrolling 2 Death discuss how Wright is helping over 250 school districts hold social media companies accountable for the damage they've caused in our children's classrooms.  Do you want to see your district represented in this case? Contact Joel Wright to learn more: [email protected]