The Unforeseen Cost of Connection: Digital Ethics, Algorithms & Decision Fatigue
Is social media quietly taxing your brain’s ability to choose well? In this episode of Decisions That Count, neuroscientist Dr. Shawn Watson and marketer–marathoner Michelle O’Brien sit down with cultural critic and brand strategist James Kirkham to explore the ethical, biological, and human consequences of constant connectivity—and how to reclaim your cognitive autonomy.
We unpack how algorithm-driven feeds hijack attention, accelerate decision fatigue, and flatten culture, and we share practical ways to protect mental clarity, improve focus, and make intentional decisions in a hyper-stimulating world.
Why today’s feeds aren’t “social”—they’re algorithmic broadcast engines that drive cognitive overload.
The physiology of decision fatigue: what’s happening at the synapse—and why it’s not just “being tired.”
How endless scrolling drains your morning’s highest-quality decisions (and what to do instead).
The downstream effects on emotional regulation, teams, creativity, and kids’ developing brains.
Simple protocols to regain cognitive autonomy: sleep as a biological reset, “decision lists,” front-loading hard choices, and algo-free windows.
00:00 Introduction
02:50 The Evolution of Social Media and Its Impact
05:51 Creativity vs. Algorithm: The Shift in Content Creation
08:57 The Exhaustion of Digital Consumption
11:50 The Return to Physical Experiences
14:54 Understanding Decision Fatigue
18:06 The Physiological Limits of Decision Making
24:53 The Cost of Decision Fatigue
27:35 Marketing and Decision Fatigue
31:04 The Impact on Children and Society
35:41 Navigating Social Media and Technology
39:28 Long-term Consequences of Decision Fatigue
43:03 Finding Solutions to Decision Fatigue
Guest: James Kirkham — Brand strategist, cultural critic, public speaker & broadcaster LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameskirkham/
Decisions That Count helps you master the science of decision-making to overcome decision fatigue and reach peak performance. Hosted by Dr. Shawn Watson and Michelle O’Brien, we translate neuroscience into actionable strategies for focus, mental clarity, productivity, mindfulness, biohacking, and resilience—across gaming, business, athletics, academics, and everyday life.
Hosts:
Dr. Shawn Watson – Neuroscientist & Founder Michelle O’Brien – Marketer, Mum, Marathon Runner👇 Let’s Continue the Conversation What resonated most with you? Have you experienced decision fatigue in your role? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you manage high-pressure choices.
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decision fatigue, cognitive overload, digital ethics, neuroscience, algorithm influence, mental clarity, focus, productivity, mindfulness, biohacking, gaming, esports, business, athletics, academics, youth mental health, cognitive function, brain optimization, habit formation, stress management, online behavior, content consumption, digital responsibility
