This week’s must-reads: Research shows that social media is not the problem … we are.

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!

What is motivation? You’ve Probably Been Thinking About It All Wrong (NirAndFar) To understand what motivation is and how to harness it correctly, we have to understand our brains a bit better, starting with the very basics.

Why the Illusion of Control Is Hurting Your Goals [AUDIO] (Podcast) A classic survivor test shows us how the illusion of control can sidetrack us from our mission when things get uncomfortable.

Book Review: Instractable (1729) Your challenge is simple: read Indistractable and write a review and potentially receive $10 for a short review or $100 for a longer review.

Social Media Isn’t the Problem … We Are (Mark Manson) Social media is the favorite punching bag for all of our social ills these days, but social media is not the problem. We are.

Technology saves the world (Future) The most amazing COVID technology story has to be the vaccines.

How We Gain — or Give Away — Authority While Speaking (Matt Abrahams) Learn how body language and word choices can help you “power up” or “power down” your communication.

Happy reading!

- Nir