Restoring Sanity in the Digital Age With Mark Weinstein

Mark Weinstein is a pioneering tech entrepreneur, privacy advocate, and one of the original inventors of social networking. His 25-year journey includes founding three award-winning social media platforms, such as SuperFamily and SuperFriends, both recognized in PC Magazine's Top 100 Sites. As a leading privacy expert, Mark delivered the landmark TED Talk “The Rise of Surveillance Capitalism” and authored Restoring Our Sanity Online: A Revolutionary Social Framework, which presents a bold vision for transforming social media. His work has earned endorsements from industry leaders like Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Steve Wozniak, reflecting his commitment to ethical technology and user empowerment. In this episode… The internet was once seen as a tool for connection, but today, it often feels like it's controlling us. From social media algorithms that manipulate our thoughts to privacy invasions that track our every move, the online world has shifted in ways few anticipated. So, how can we reclaim our digital autonomy and create a healthier relationship with technology? Mark Weinstein, a social media pioneer and privacy expert, offers insights into the hidden dangers of surveillance capitalism and how users can protect themselves. He explains how algorithms are designed to exploit human psychology, keeping people hooked while collecting vast amounts of personal data. He shares actionable steps, such as limiting screen time, avoiding AI-driven recommendations, and choosing privacy-focused platforms. Mark also stresses the importance of critical thinking, teaching children to discern fact from manipulation, and advocating for ethical tech policies to reshape the future of online interactions. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Mark Weinstein, author of Restoring Our Sanity Online, about the urgent need for ethical social media and enhanced digital privacy. Mark discusses the evolution of social media, the rise of surveillance capitalism, and the impact of AI-driven algorithms on user behavior. He also shares practical strategies for protecting personal data, reducing social media addiction, and fostering critical thinking in the digital age.