# Master Class: Escape the Tech Trap

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/dates-mates-with-damona-hoffman-167811/master-class-escape-the-tech-trap
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/dates-mates-with-damona-hoffman-167811/master-class-escape-the-tech-trap.md
Podcast: [Dates & Mates with Damona Hoffman](https://stenobird.com/podcast/dates-mates-with-damona-hoffman-167811)
Published: 2026-09-02T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.datesandmates.com
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/8bb3c474-209d-425d-8e4a-5cde36b18966.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/dates-mates-with-damona-hoffman-167811/episodes/master-class-escape-the-tech-trap
Duration seconds: 967

## Resource

In this special minisode, Damona breaks down the "tech trap" and why the tools that were supposed to connect us (dating apps, social media, and now AI) are quietly training us to stop trusting our own judgment. After a summer away from the weekly show, she's back with a wake-up call: the babysitter has left the building, and it's on us to manage our own relationship with technology. This minisode includes an overview of what social scientists are calling “algorithmic entrapment” and 3 simple questions that can help you escape the cycle. What You'll Hear In This Episode: Why the "texting trap" Damona coined a decade ago has grown into something much bigger What a recent multibillion dollar settlement against Meta reveals about how these platforms are built The one word Damona wants us to bring into our relationship with tech instead of fear Why having access to dating apps and social media means nothing without personal accountability The danger of asking AI to tell you what your partner "really meant" or what you should do next Damona's three questions to ask yourself before you swipe, scroll, or respond What's next for the show and how you can help shape it Resources & Links: Take the two-minute survey at damonahoffman.com/survey and let us know how Damona can continue to support you! Now taking calls and questions for the Dear Damona social media series: 424-246-6255. Follow @DamonaHoffman on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook and submit questions via DM or voice memo anytime. Interested in booking Damona to speak to your group or company? Find out more at DamonaHoffman.com/speaking

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## Transcript

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