Skip to main content
Back to Show
PBS NewsHour

The psychological itch that makes a smartphone irresistible

Many of us have psychological itches that need scratching, says Adam Alter. When he was a Ph.D. student, that compulsion took the form of an online slot machine game, which soothed his feelings of isolation. Today we seem to be constantly in need of interaction with our smart phones or tablets. Alter offers his Humble Opinion on why it's worth going screen-free part of each day.

Support Provided By
Season
March 27, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
57:46
March 27, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
March 26, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
57:46
A Baltimore bridge collapses after being struck by a container ship.
March 25, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
57:46
The rift between the U.S. and Israel widens due to a United Nations resolution demanding a cease-fire in Gaza.
March 24, 2024 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:44
With the Supreme Court set to hear arguments Tuesday in a case about mifepristone, a look at the ways the executive branch can shape reproductive rights and abortion access in post-Roe America.
March 23, 2024 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
The deadliest massacre in Russia in decades leaves the country on edge, just days after President Putin was re-elected.
March 22, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
57:46
Congress works to avoid a partial government shutdown, but could it cost House Speaker Johnson his gavel?
March 21, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
57:46
March 21, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
March 20, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
57:46
March 20, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
March 19, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
57:46
An immigration ruling from the Supreme Court means Texas police can now arrest and deport migrants.
March 18, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
57:46
Russian President Vladimir Putin extends his reign after securing a landslide but rigged seventh term.
March 17, 2024 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
With hundreds of thousands of Americans relying on Catholic hospitals, why some people are facing barriers to reproductive health care.
March 16, 2024 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:44
Examine the safety and reliability of helicopters after a string of fatal crashes.
Active loading indicator