The Digital Diet

Has the rapid growth of AI changed your boss’ expectations of you at work? Do you feel under pressure to deliver more and deliver faster than before? In this episode, I explore the evolving role of AI in the workplace, focusing on its impact on workloads, productivity and employee wellbeing. I discuss the disconnect between managerial expectations of increased productivity and th

Is your email inbox overflowing? Does receiving email stress you out? In this episode, I explore the evolution of email from an exciting new way to communicate to a constant source of stress and overwhelm in our daily lives. I explain why email has become such a problematic tool, from managing multiple accounts and sifting through marketing emails, to battling data privacy breaches

Would your life be simpler without a smartphone? In this episode, I dive into the growing trend of swapping your smartphone for a “dumbphone” and examine why we’re suddenly so excited about technology moving backwards. I explore why so many people are consciously choosing simpler devices, from avoiding the stress and privacy issues caused by smartphones, to the nostalgia of r

Could banning mobile phones in schools help boost kids' wellbeing and performance? In this episode, I delve into the contentious issue of mobile phone use in schools as the new academic year begins. Following UK government guidance recommending a ban on mobile phones during the school day, I explore the potential impact of a ban on children’s learning environment, academic result

Is social media giving you nightmares? In this episode, I explore the findings from a new study revealing the surprising connection between social media use, nightmares, and poor mental health. I explain how even moderate social media use could be causing you to have distressing dreams more often, with themes including anxiety over access to social media, disruptions to relationshi

When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep? In this episode, I delve into the science of sleep and what’s really happening inside of your brain and body when your eyes are closed at night. I explore the importance of sleep for your mental and physical health, and how poor sleep can impact everything from your emotional stability to your lifespan. I discuss how much sle

Are you planning to take all of your annual leave this year? Are you also planning to take your laptop and work phone on holiday with you *just in case*? Don’t do it! In this episode, I discuss the importance of fully disconnecting from work for your mental and physical health, and share research proving that failing to take regular vacations could make you die younger! I explore

Do you feel overwhelmed by trying to juggle working from home and caring for your kids during the summer holidays? Are you experiencing “mum guilt” because you let your child have the iPad for 3 hours in exchange for some peace? You’re not alone. The Digital Diet Podcast is finally back and here to help you survive the summer holidays! In this episode, I explore practical str

If you were lost and trying to find your way, would you trust your navigational instincts over GPS directions that seem to be wrong? In this episode, I explore the amusing but cautionary tale of “The Lost Tourist” who famously trusted GPS directions while on vacation in Iceland, only to end up hundreds of miles away from his destination…twice! I explain the concept of automat

Can you always trust ChatGPT to provide factually accurate responses? In a word, no. In this episode, I explore the concept of AI “hallucinations”, specifically when using OpenAI's ChatGPT, and the potential for AI platforms to generate inaccurate or misleading responses, which could lead to misinformation and harmful consequences. I explain how hallucinations occur, why it’s