About this episode

The episode explores the addictive nature of anger on social media and its implications for online interactions.

Social media is designed to keep us scrolling. But is it also keeping us angry? Rage bait is rewarded and amplified. It’s easy to react and even easier to get pulled in. Over time, this has changed how we interact with the world — and with each other. But is this just bad behavior, or something closer to addiction? Host Megan McArdle is joined by Keith Humphreys, a Stanford professor and psychologist, to break down the mechanics of addiction and how they might apply to life online. Together, they explore why rage is so compelling, how platforms keep us hooked and whether it’s possible to break the cycle. Subscribe to The Washington Post  here .

People in this episode

Host: Megan McArdle

Guest: Keith Humphreys

Topics covered

• social media
• anger
• addiction
• psychology
• online behavior
• rage bait

Keywords

• anger
• addiction
• social media
• psychology
• rage bait
• online behavior

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Stanford, The Washington Post

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