“Dr. Richard Freed's groundbreaking book, Better Than Real Life: How Silicon Valley's Secret Science of Persuasive Design Is Stealing Childhood, is a vital and eye-opening exploration into the hidden mechanics of technology addiction. In an era where mobile devices, video games, and digital media are ubiquitous, Dr. Freed unveils the addictive designs that ensnare our children's attention and exacerbate mental health disorders, addictive behaviors, and a disturbing phenomenon I've observed as 'virtual autism' in my own clinical practice. His incisive analysis reveals how the alluring world of screens is not just captivating but also perilously manipulative, leading to an epidemic rise in mental health issues among the young.
    “Dr. Freed courageously exposes the 'puppet masters' behind these technologies, shedding light on how technology and gaming companies employ neuropsychologists and neuroscientists to implement manipulative designs in their digital products. His book not only educates but also empowers parents, educators, and policymakers with the knowledge needed to combat these insidious trends. Better Than Real Life is not just a book; it's a call to action to reclaim childhood from the grips of persuasive technology and to prioritize the well-being of our future generations.”

“There is no other decision in raising a child today that is as important as how to handle screen use. 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. Better Than Real Life offers all parents the foundations needed to make wise choices that help us raise strong, resilient, and free-thinking young people.”

Richard Freed takes us on a deep and eye-opening dive into Silicon Valley’s ongoing, pervasive, and toxic campaign to capture the hearts and minds of kids and teens. This is an important book for anyone who cares about young people and their future.”

“In a world where screens dominate daily life, this book serves as a call to action to prioritize the health and happiness of our children. It prompts reflection on our responsibility to protect their right to a fulfilling childhood, free from the undue influence of technology. A must-read for anyone invested in the well-being of future generations.”

A must-read for any parent wanting to know why smartphones, social media, and video games are captivating our children and devastating childhood.

“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. A desperately needed new resource in the digital-parenting space.”

“A lot happens behind the interfaces of social media and video games. Dr. Freed exposes the manipulative techniques used to get our children to spend more and more time on screens. This is information every parent should have, so that they can make more informed choices about how to help their children navigate the digital world safely.”

“This eye-opening book pulls back the curtain on the hidden forces exploiting our kids. It will empower you to take back childhood and to think critically of once-trusted organizations. A must-read for any parent or professional in this current digital climate!”

“Better Than Real Life is exactly the book we need at this point in history. Anyone with an interest in raising happy, healthy children needs to understand what is being done to kids today. Dr. Freed's clear, insightful book shows us the costs of kids living their lives on screens at home and school, and how we can turn this around.”

“A groundbreaking account of how an industry has deceptively captured our trust in their lucrative digital media and evolving technologies while eroding the health of the most vulnerable of its consumers—kids. This book also illuminates how public health organizations have caved and failed our children and their caregivers. Dr. Freed offers clear and realistic action steps for the way forward.”

“No one explains the adverse effects of persuasive design better than Dr. Freed. Better Than Real Life masterfully reveals the ‘why’ behind our screen addictions.”