I explore an unsettling discovery at McDonald's - men order dramatically more food when facing a screen instead of a person. This kicks off a deeper examination of how digital interfaces strip away the social guardrails that evolved to protect us from our worst impulses.
Key Points:
- What McDonald's learned about male ordering patterns through self-service kiosks
- How digital interfaces bypass thousands of years of evolved social wisdom
- Why that moment of hesitation before ordering a second burger matters
- The hidden costs in dating apps, social media, and digital shopping
- When friction might actually help us make better choices
Notable Quote: "The screen knows what we want in the moment because it doesn't ask us to consider the future."
What is Westenberg?
The Westenberg Podcast offers ideas, explainers, book notes, and reflections on technology, philosophy, and the human experience. Hosted by Joan Westenberg, each episode unpacks complex topics with clarity and depth, blending personal insights with thought-provoking analysis. It’s a space for exploring big questions and fresh perspectives in an accessible format.