Smartphone Nation

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Smartphone Nation by Dr. Kaitlyn Regehr

With the return to school, there are a lot of discussions around the impacts of cellphone use in the classroom. I picked up this book after seeing Dr. Regehr on a CTV news show that discussed some of the ways that we can be aware of our digital experience. Essential reading anyone who knows there’s more to life than staring at a screen—or who wants to raise children who believe that, too—Smartphone Nation shows how to :

• Navigate the attention economy, which prioritizes engagement at all costs
• Improve your digital nutrition for better mental health
• Spring cleans your viewing experience
• Game the algorithm
• Catch misinformation
• Parent your children in the digital age

Overview of the Book 

• Core Premise – Regehr argues that our unconscious, compulsive smartphone use is as harmful as smoking. She introduces the concept of digital nutrition, a framework for healthier interaction with technology.
• Structure – The book blends research, real-life stories, and practical exercises. It explains how algorithms work, how content is curated and fed to us, and how AI influences our thinking.
• Topics Covered – Includes discussions on body image, advertising, misinformation, violence, and the psychological effects of screen addiction 
• Tone and Style – Clear, compassionate, and empowering. It’s written for a general audience but grounded in academic insight.

Why Project Managers Should Read This Book

Project managers operate in tech-saturated environments and often lead teams that are deeply embedded in digital workflows. Here’s how Smartphone Nation can be particularly valuable:

• Digital Literacy and Awareness – Understanding  how algorithms and digital platforms influence behavior helps PMs make more informed decisions about tools, communication strategies, and team dynamics.
• Mental Health and Productivity – Regehr’s insights into screen addiction and digital burnout are crucial for managing team well-being. Her concept of “digital nutrition” can inform healthier work habits and boundaries 
• Ethical Leadership – The book encourages critical thinking about technology’s societal impact. PMs can use this to foster ethical tech use and promote responsible innovation within their teams.
• Change Management – Regehr’s practical strategies for reshaping digital habits are directly applicable to change initiatives—especially those involving tech adoption or digital transformation.
• Communication and Engagement – Understanding how content is consumed and perceived online can help PMs craft more effective messaging and stakeholder engagement plans.

Smartphone Nation is not just a book about screen addiction—it’s a guide to reclaiming agency in a digital world. For project managers, it offers a toolkit for navigating the attention economy, improving team health, and leading with clarity in an age of constant connectivity.

Thoughtful, clearsighted, and empowering, Smartphone Nation is essential reading for anyone who owns a phone.

Dr. Kaitlyn Regehr

Dr. Kaitlyn Regehr is a world-renowned expert on the cultural impacts of social media. She’s an Associate Professor and the Program Director of Digital Humanities at University College London. Dr. Regehr appears regularly in the media as an expert on this subject, including on BBC News, ITV, BBC Women’s Hour, Channel 4 and in The Economist. She is a prominent voice in the media, a key influence in public policy circles, and a mother of two

– Sylvie Edwards 

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