News · 7 Sep 2026
What happens when you switch off the algorithm?
Why choosing a more intentional feed could change our relationship with social media.
Read insight
Evidence-led cyberpsychology · Vol. 01
Human Minds.
Digital Worlds.
Screen Sense turns research into clear, honest insight into how technology reshapes attention, identity and behaviour.
Take the free quizDefining the field
Cyberpsychology focuses on how human behaviour, thoughts and emotions are influenced by digital technology including interactions with the internet, social media, online gaming, virtual reality and AI. It explores online identity, cyberbullying, digital addiction and the psychological impact of immersive technology, bridging traditional psychology with the digital world.
76%
feel they spend too much time on their phones.
22%
of NZ teens surveyed met the criteria for problematic social media use.
12%
of young people are at risk of problematic gaming.
Welcome to Screen Sense
Thanks for visiting Screen Sense! I’m Neal, a former professional gamer known as Mirage. I competed internationally, spending thousands of hours in digital environments where focus, performance and screen time were everything.
That experience gave me a front-row view of how powerful digital systems are and how difficult it can be to disengage from them once they become part of daily life.
If you’ve ever felt pulled too far into the screen or wondered why this happens, this is a place to understand the psychology behind it and what can be done next.
Neal Thompson
Digital Psychology Specialist
MSc Health Psychology
Former professional gamer (Mirage)
Current thinking
Featured insights
News · 28 Aug 2026
Meta agrees to $18 billion settlement over alleged social media harm to children
The proposed settlement includes major changes to Facebook and Instagram for younger users.
Read insight
News · 31 Jul 2026
Early days, early insights: social media age restrictions
Australia’s three-month findings reveal how under-16s and families are experiencing the new rules.
Read insightExplore Screen Sense
Quiz
Problematic internet use can show up in various ways. Take our free, anonymous self-assessment quiz to see if reducing your screen time could be helpful.
QuizNews
The latest media coverage on digital wellbeing from around the world — screen time, online behaviour and healthier tech habits.
NewsScience
The latest research on Internet Addiction (IA) and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), and why managing screen time matters.
ScienceWatch
Video interviews, documentaries, panels and talks exploring screen-time balance — from real-world stories to expert insights.
WatchRead
Books offering different lenses on digital wellbeing: the brain’s reward system, social media and self-regulation.
ReadSpeaker
Guest speaker bookings for your next event, podcast or webinar on a range of digital wellbeing topics.
SpeakerAI-powered guide
What are you curious about?
Describe a question, habit or interest. Our guide maps it to the psychology and points you to the most relevant pathways and insights.
Interactive · Free · No sign-up
Where does your digital life need attention?
Twelve short statements on how screens shape your focus, mood, sleep and play. In about two minutes you'll get an impact score and the one pathway that matters most for you—attention, gaming, social media, AI, wellbeing or digital safety.
- 12 questions
- ~2 minutes
- Instant pathway result
Academy of Cyberpsychology
Study the mind in the machine, guided.
Structured, self-paced courses for curious learners who want to understand digital behaviour from first principles—without fear, hype or jargon.
Topic pathways
(a) — (f)
FOUNDER - DIGITAL PSYCHOLOGY SPECIALIST · EX-PROFESSIONAL GAMER
Neal Thompson
Neal brings together a rare combination of behavioural science, technology leadership and lived experience at the frontier of digital culture.
- Founder of Screen Sense
- MSc Health Psychology, University of Auckland
- Digital Psychology Specialist
- Certified Health and Wellness Coach
- 25 years in digital product leadership
- Former professional gamer (Mirage)
Digital habits
Habits
We all have our favourite ways to scroll, game or watch online content. Over time, these habits can quietly drain your energy, scatter your focus and affect your wellbeing.
Digital safety
Safety
Understand the psychology behind online risks — from scams and manipulation to harassment — and how to navigate them with confidence.
Statistics
Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa
Problematic social media use common among NZ teens
22% of teens surveyed met criteria for problematic social media use, characterised by addiction-like patterns such as preoccupation, loss of control and conflict.
BePresent
Digital Wellness Report
76% of people believe they spend “too much” time on their phones. 40% of adults spend five or more hours a day on their phone, and 74% who try to cut back struggle to do so.
nib
State of the Nation Parenting Survey
Time online worried 75% of parents — their number one worry. Yet 50% said they spent too much time on their own devices.
Motu Economic and Public Policy Research
Digital inclusion and wellbeing in New Zealand
15% of 15-year-olds use the internet for 6+ hours on a weekday outside school. Beyond about two hours, there is no positive association with wellbeing.
Screen Sense Sessions
Personalised one-to-one support to help you better understand your digital habits and make practical, lasting changes to the way you use technology.