This week’s must-reads: How to Get a Friend to Put Away Their Phone Without Being a Jerk

In my work as a behavioral designer, I come across important stories on how psychology influences our behavior. Every week, I share my round-up of the most important stories at the intersection of psychology, technology, and business. I hope you enjoy them!

How to Get a Friend to Put Away Their Phone Without Being a Jerk (NirAndFar) Digital distractions can get in the way of being fully present with the people we love. Here’s how to (politely) do something about it.

If You Don’t Plan Your Time, Someone Else Will [AUDIO] (Podcast) When we let someone steal our time and attention with distraction, we’re paying with a non-refundable, non-renewable resource.

Our Worst Idea About ‘Safety’ (Slate) How individuals change their behavior in response to perceived risk has been of interest to psychologist, safety regulators, and economists for decades.

When a Major Life Change Upends Your Sense of Self (Harvard Business Review) While it is both inevitable and essential for growth, change can also be deeply uncomfortable.

How Your Mind Gets Better at Processing Bad News (Pocket Worthy) When you experience stressful events, a physiological change is triggered that can cause you take in any sort of warning and become fixated on what might go wrong.

Can’t Seem to meditate? 7 joyful activities for you to try instead. (Ideas.Ted.com) Meditation is like many things — great for some people, but not necessarily for everyone

Happy reading!

- Nir