In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, welcome back Shannon Algeo, psychotherapist and author of The Power in Your Hands. Shannon explores how smartphone and social media use mirrors insecure attachment patterns, introducing the concept of technology attachment to explain how people unconsciously turn to technology to manage anxiety, avoid emotions, and seek connection. The conversation covers how virtual interactions lack the embodied cues essential for genuine human bonding, the dangers of solitude deprivation, and the societal nature of technology attachment and the pain of digital addiction. Shannon encourages listeners to exercise compassion, small behavioral experiments, and collective action to help reclaim presence, creativity, and authentic human connection.

Shannon's Resources:

• The Power in Your Hands
• Shannon on IG
• Shannon on YT
• Shannon's Website

We Think You'll Love:

• Free Week of Jen Health
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

What You'll Learn from Shannon:

2:31 The Genesis of the Book

4:19 Attachment Theory and Technology Attachment

8:21 Virtual vs. Real World

10:51 Attachment Styles and Social Media

15:44 Negativity Bias Online

19:17 The Dangers of Instant Answers

22:10 The Importance of Solitude

30:08 Parenting in the Digital Age

36:25 The Grief of the Unlived Life

42:08 The Influencer's Dilemma

46:48 Is "Doomscrolling" Actually Relaxing?

52:15 Hope for the Future

58:07 How to Start Disconnecting

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/467

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