Caitlin Begg , Harvard-trained sociologist, founder of Authentic Social, and host of Progression to Analog, is redefining how smartphones and social media shape our attention, communication, and intimacy. From taking three years off TikTok, to researching parasocial relationships, to designing healthier tech habits, this is the conversation every modern creator, founder, and human needs to hear.

• Why “phone brain” is the hidden reason behind your short attention span

• How notification culture rewires our dopamine and drives gossip culture

• Why short-term social media breaks don’t fix your brain - but mornings off do

• The loneliness epidemic: hyper-connected, but more isolated than ever

• How parasocial relationships with influencers - and even friends - are changing intimacy

• Why authenticity online matters (and why most people still fake it)

• The dark side of dating apps and how they’re numbing real connection

• Why boredom, drifting, and in-person conversations are the real productivity hacks

• How AI can free up time for thinking - if you use it the right way

• What companies get wrong about workplace communication overload

This isn’t about quitting tech. It’s about reclaiming your attention, deepening real relationships, and designing a more human everyday life.

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https://www.caitybegg.com

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This episode is produced by HSR Media, a division of Creative MES LLC, with support from Ana Sessions and Coldea Productions.

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Hot Smart Rich is your place to hear unfiltered conversations with the people shaping the future of culture, creators, startups and community. Hosted by Maggie Sellers, investor and media powerhouse, and guests breaking the mold, you’ll get the real deal as it relates to navigating the startup fast lane, leveling up your life or becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self. New episodes weekly on Wednesdays.