Appendix A: Further Reading
- Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking: Covers smoking and not social media but I found the points applicable to USM. Details the little monster and big monster and argues smoking has no real benefit. There is a version specifically made for social media called Smart Phone Dumb Phone but I found it not to be as well written.
- The Freedom Model for Addictions: Debunks the idea that addiction is involuntary and instead argues that addicts prefer using to quitting. Focuses on hard drugs/alcohol but applicable to all addiction. The abridged version is available free here
- Rational Recovery: Divides addiction into two parts: you, and the “beast” which only wants to stay addicted (similar to the little/big monster). Details on how to be aware of the beast’s thoughts and ignore them. Helpful if you still struggle with cravings.
- Digital Minimalism: Talks on the reasons social media and technology is addictive and how to build a healthier relationship with it
- Center for Humane Technology’s Ledger of Harms: Studies on the harms and societal effects caused by social media