Research Area 2—

Digital Dependence & Hygiene

I study how people can create a more intentional and sustainable relationship with their digital devices and tools.

Our lab is currently working on validating the Digital Dependence Index (DDI), which is a new assessment that aims to measure the patterns and prevalence of digital dependence, with a special emphasis on assessing a maladaptive relationship with our technology. In other words, when our relationship with our tech tools no longer serves our goals and who we want to be. 

Please consider taking the DDI and contributing to science. The more people take it, the faster we can validate this much-needed assessment. To thank you for your support, if you take the DDI during this research phase, you will be the first to receive your personalized report of your Digital Dependence with recommendations for changes to make just for you.

The DDI includes metrics like:

  • Daily unlocks / usage 

  • Unconscious or compulsive checking behaviors

  • Reliance for mood modification / emotional regulation 

  • Impact on sleep and health

  • Psychological dependence

  • Withdrawal symptoms and tolerance 

  • Self-perceived agency and control

  • And more

In a world increasingly reliant on digital technology, understanding these behaviors is crucial for identifying risks to cognitive health as well as for informing productive, healthy, and sustainable digital habits.

All Research Areas

1. Productivity & Performance

I create and test methods to help people leverage their unique biology to get their most important work done, in less time, with less neurological stress. 

2. Digital Dependence & Hygiene

I study how people can create a more intentional and sustainable relationship with their digital devices and tools.

3. Burnout & Energy Management

I create frameworks and study the physiology of energy to help people manage their finite cognitive resources and successfully psychologically detach from work and life stressors.