Battling Burnout
Uncanny Valley | WIRED9 Loka 2020

Battling Burnout

Trying to be a functional human being in 2020 can feel exhausting. Our devices send us constant notifications, social media demands all our attention, and even simple daily tasks start to feel Sisyphean when they pile up. In many ways, the same technology that was supposed to make our lives easier and more efficient has led to a mental health crisis that shows no signs of abating: widespread burnout.

This week on Gadget Lab, we talk with Anne Helen Petersen, author of the book Can’t Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation, about the ways that tech has driven many people to the breaking point. Also, we've got some tips on how to prevent burnout and cut yourself some slack.

Show Notes:

You can find Anne Helen Petersen’s book here and read an excerpt about how work became an inescapable hellhole in WIRED here. Subscribe to Anne’s newsletter here.

Recommendations:

Anne recommends the show Pen15 on Hulu. Lauren recommends WIRED’s 2020 election coverage, in particular this story about the battle over voting machines in Texas. Mike recommends practicing Qigong to help your peace of mind, starting with this video teaching Qigong for beginners.

Anne Helen Petersen can be found on Twitter @annehelen. Lauren Goode is @LaurenGoode. Michael Calore is @snackfight. Bling the main hotline at @GadgetLab. The show is produced by Boone Ashworth (@booneashworth). Our executive producer is Alex Kapelman (@alexkapelman). Our theme music is by Solar Keys.

If you have feedback about the show, or just want to enter to win a $50 gift card, take our brief listener survey here.

Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jaksot(431)

BIG INTV: Alexis Ohanian Says We Can Build A Less Toxic Internet

BIG INTV: Alexis Ohanian Says We Can Build A Less Toxic Internet

The Reddit co-founder sits down for a wide-ranging conversation, from buying his first video game to meeting his future co-founder on the first day of college.  When he’s not investing in the future o...

26 Elo 202548min

WIRED Roundup: Chip Manufacturers Bonanza

WIRED Roundup: Chip Manufacturers Bonanza

In today’s episode, Zöe is joined by WIRED’s Louise Matsakis to run through five of the best stories we published this week — from OpenAI’s being poised to become the highest valued startup in history...

22 Elo 202519min

How To Become a Vibe Coder

How To Become a Vibe Coder

Vibe coding is everywhere, and it’s already drastically changing the tech industry — from shaping how software gets made to who gets hired. So back in July, our very own Lauren Goode went on a journey...

21 Elo 202529min

Introducing: The BIG INTERVIEW with WIRED's Katie Drummond

Introducing: The BIG INTERVIEW with WIRED's Katie Drummond

A conversation series that only WIRED could host, led by WIRED’s Global Editorial Director, Katie Drummond. Every week, Katie sits down with influential figures in culture, politics, business, science...

19 Elo 20252min

WIRED Roundup: Why GPT-5 Flopped

WIRED Roundup: Why GPT-5 Flopped

In today’s episode, Zöe is joined by WIRED’s Jake Lahut to run through five of the best stories we published this week — from how the Trump administration is creating and sharing memes to make fun of ...

15 Elo 202517min

Palantir: The Most Mysterious Company in Silicon Valley

Palantir: The Most Mysterious Company in Silicon Valley

Palantir Technologies is arguably one of the most notorious American corporations. Cofounded by tech billionaire Peter Thiel, the company has worked with ICE, the US Department of Defense, the Israeli...

14 Elo 202534min

WIRED Roundup: OpenAI Announces New Government Partnership

WIRED Roundup: OpenAI Announces New Government Partnership

In today’s episode, Zoë is joined by WIRED’s Jake Lahut to run through five of the most important stories we published this week — from how bitcoin miners have been racing this year to beat the tariff...

8 Elo 202521min

The Vibes-Based Pricing of "Pro" AI Software

The Vibes-Based Pricing of "Pro" AI Software

AI chatbot premium subscriptions like ChatGPT Pro and Claude Max currently cost around $200, but it’s not entirely clear why. Lauren and Mike speak with WIRED’s Reece Rogers to find out what’s behind ...

7 Elo 202529min