My just-released book Better Than Real Life unveils how Silicon Valley’s hidden science of persuasive design is pulling a generation of kids away from the real world to live on social media, video games, and online video. The science is so powerful that it is able to persuade youth, at a genetic level, that sitting sedentary on playtime screens is better than running and playing, better than engaging with school, better than spending time with family. Kids suffer physically, emotionally, and academically as a result. Better Than Real Life reveals how we can provide our kids the healthy childhood they need—in the real world.

Praise for Better Than Real Life

‍“This book will haunt you, but in all the best ways. It's not enough to know our kids are being tricked and manipulated, it’s knowing how they are being tricked that will help parents—and kids themselves—make smarter screen-time decisions.”
—   Victoria Dunckley, MD, integrative child psychiatrist and author of Reset Your Child's Brain

‍“Dr. Freed courageously exposes the ‘puppet masters’ hiding behind kids’ screens, shedding light on how technology and gaming companies employ neuropsychologists and neuroscientists to implement manipulative designs in their digital products.”
—   Andrew P. Doan, MPH, MD, PhD, Author of Hooked on Games and Digital Drugs and the Struggle for Connection, Aerospace Medicine Physician, Ophthalmologist, & Neuroscientist   

“This beautifully written and accessible book will give you calm, clear and courageous information that cuts through profit-driven marketing, tech-industry manipulation and media hype.”
—   Kim John Payne. MEd, Author of Simplicity Parenting, The Soul of Discipline, and Emotionally Resilient Tween and Teens