Google, Digital Privacy, and Online Surveillance with Dr. Robert Epstein

In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, Dr. Robert Epstein, psychologist, author, and Senior Research Psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology, joins hosts Julie Lokun and Mika Altidor to discuss the growing influence of Google and other technology companies on privacy, behavior, and society. Drawing from years of research, congressional testimony, and investigations into online manipulation, Dr. Epstein explains how search engines, online surveillance, and algorithmic systems can shape decisions without users realizing it. The conversation explores digital hygiene, election interference, artificial intelligence (AI), internet addiction, and practical ways individuals can protect their data privacy in an increasingly connected world. **In this episode, we discuss:** - How Dr. Epstein's research initially showed Google's unexpected power to shift voters - Why Google's reach extends far beyond search and what that means for everyday users - Practical digital hygiene habits and tools that can help protect privacy online - Research showing how search results can influence opinions, decisions, and elections - How phones, smart devices, and connected technology contribute to online surveillance - Why artificial intelligence may increase the power of tech companies to monitor and influence behavior - Concerns about children, internet addiction, AI-generated content, and the future of digital autonomy   **ABOUT THE GUEST:** Dr. Robert Epstein is an author, editor, professor, and Senior Research Psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology. A former Editor in Chief of Psychology Today, he has spent decades researching human behavior, technology, and online influence.  He earned his PhD in psychology from Harvard University and is the founder and Director Emeritus of the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies. His research has appeared in Science, Nature, and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and he is widely known for identifying the Search Engine Manipulation Effect (SEME), which explores how search rankings can influence opinions and voting behavior. Dr. Epstein has testified before the United States Congress on election interference, Big Tech influence, and digital manipulation. He has authored or edited 15 books and has appeared on major media platforms including The Joe Rogan Experience, NPR, Voice of America, and SiriusXM.   **MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:**  - (Podcast) The Joe Rogan Experience featuring Dr. Robert Epstein (2022) - https://EpsteinOnRogan.com - (Podcast) The Joe Rogan Experience featuring Dr. Robert Epstein (2023) - https://EpsteinOnRogan2.com - (Video) Dr. Epstein's 2023 Congressional Testimony - https://2023EpsteinTestimony.com - (Video) Dr. Epstein's 2019 Congressional Testimony - https://EpsteinTestimony.com - (Website) My Digital Hygiene - https://MyDigitalHygiene.com - (Website) America's Digital Shield - https://americasdigitalshield.com/ - (Website) My Privacy Tips - https://myprivacytips.com/ - (Website) Epstein Addiction Inventory - https://areyouaddicted.org/ CONNECT WITH DR. ROBERT EPSTEIN: - Website: https://drrobertepstein.com/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrREpstein - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robert-epstein-drrepstein-0658b2/   **ABOUT GET OBSESSED** Website: www.getobsessedpodcast.com Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com  Reach Out To Us! [hello@getobsessedmedia.com](mailto:hello@getobsessedmedia.com)  The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future. LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE - Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.