Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler is an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon who has performed tens of thousands of eye procedures and authored the book "Influenced: The Impact of Social Media on Our Perception." In this episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, Dr. Boxer Wachler reveals how our brains are being rewired by social media algorithms, why we're all susceptible to influence regardless of intelligence, and the surprising ways our perceptions of reality are being manipulated. He shares insights from his medical practice, discusses the neurological mechanisms behind social media addiction, and explains why even doctors and highly educated people fall victim to misinformation. This conversation will change how you think about your phone, your feed, and your perception of the world around you.
What does "Influenced" mean in the context of social media?
"Influenced" refers to how social media platforms use algorithms and psychological mechanisms to shape our perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors. Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler explains in his book that these platforms exploit neurological pathways to create addictive patterns, making us susceptible to misinformation and altered perceptions of reality regardless of our intelligence or education level.
Who is Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler?
Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler is an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon who has performed tens of thousands of eye procedures. He is the author of "Influenced: The Impact of Social Media on Our Perception" and appears regularly on media outlets discussing eye health and the effects of technology on human perception and behavior.
Title Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by Star brite, the marine care products that help you maintain peak performance on the water, just as Dr. Boxer Wachler helps his patients maintain peak vision performance. Whether you're caring for your boat or your body, precision matters.
Why Social Media Affects Everyone—Including Doctors
One of the most surprising revelations Dr. Boxer Wachler shares is that intelligence and education provide no protection against social media's influence. He discusses how even physicians and highly educated individuals fall victim to misinformation and algorithmic manipulation. The conversation explores the neurological mechanisms that make us all vulnerable—from dopamine hits to confirmation bias. Dr. Boxer Wachler explains why our brains aren't wired to resist these modern digital tactics and how the platforms exploit fundamental human psychology. The implications for medical professionals, educators, and anyone who thinks they're "too smart" to be influenced are profound. Hear why your education level doesn't protect you from social media's effects in the opening minutes of the episode.
The Neurological Rewiring Happening in Your Brain
Dr. Boxer Wachler reveals how social media platforms are literally changing the structure and function of our brains. He discusses the specific neurological pathways being activated and modified by our constant scrolling and engagement. The conversation covers dopamine release patterns, the creation of addictive behaviors, and why breaking free from these platforms feels so difficult even when we know they're harmful. He shares insights from his medical practice about patients who've experienced cognitive and perceptual changes related to their social media use. The discussion gets into the physical brain changes that occur with prolonged exposure to algorithm-driven content. The full explanation of how your brain is being rewired starts early in the conversation.
Discover how social media is literally changing your brain structure
How Algorithms Manipulate Your Perception of Reality
In one of the most eye-opening segments of the conversation, Dr. Boxer Wachler explains how social media algorithms don't just show us what we want to see—they actively shape what we believe is real. He discusses how the curated feeds we scroll through create false perceptions of normalcy, success, and even truth itself. The conversation explores how these algorithmic manipulations affect everything from our self-esteem to our political beliefs to our understanding of current events. Dr. Boxer Wachler shares specific examples of how the same information can be perceived entirely differently depending on how it's presented and in what context. The implications for democracy, mental health, and human connection are staggering. The deep dive into algorithmic manipulation and perception starts midway through the episode.
Get the Best Fishing & Outdoor Content
Weekly insights on fishing strategy, conservation, and the disciplines that transfer across pursuits.
SubscribePractical Strategies to Protect Your Mind
Dr. Boxer Wachler doesn't just diagnose the problem—he offers concrete solutions. He shares practical strategies for protecting yourself and your family from the negative effects of social media while still participating in the digital world. The conversation covers everything from setting boundaries with your devices to teaching children critical thinking skills about online content. He discusses what works in his own life and what he's seen succeed with his patients. Tom and Dr. Boxer Wachler explore the balance between staying connected and staying sane, and why complete abstinence from social media isn't necessarily the answer for most people. The strategies are actionable, realistic, and grounded in neuroscience. The practical solutions discussion happens in the latter part of the conversation.
Don't miss this one.
This conversation will change how you see your phone and your feed.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Boxer Wachler reveals why intelligence and education provide zero protection against social media manipulation—and which neurological mechanisms make everyone vulnerable
- Social media platforms are causing measurable physical changes in brain structure and function, with implications that go far beyond simple addiction
- The algorithms curating your feed aren't just showing you what you want to see—they're actively reshaping your perception of what's real and what's normal
- Even medical professionals and highly educated individuals fall victim to misinformation when it's delivered through the right psychological channels
- Dr. Boxer Wachler shares specific, actionable strategies for protecting your mind and your family's mental health without completely abandoning digital connection
- The dopamine-driven reward systems built into social platforms exploit the same neurological pathways as substance addiction
- Understanding how you're being influenced is the first step to regaining control over your attention, beliefs, and perception of reality
Final Thoughts from Tom
This conversation with Dr. Boxer Wachler hit me harder than I expected. As someone who uses social media to share fishing content and connect with our community, I've always thought I had a handle on it. But hearing a neuroscience-backed explanation of how these platforms are literally rewiring our brains—that's sobering. What really got me was when he explained why smart people, educated people, even doctors fall for misinformation. We all want to think we're immune, but the truth is, we're all vulnerable.
The part about algorithms shaping our perception of reality really made me think about how I consume content and what I share with you all. Are we seeing the world as it actually is, or as the algorithm wants us to see it? That's a question worth asking. And the practical strategies Dr. Boxer Wachler shares—those aren't just theoretical. These are things we can actually do to protect our minds and our families.
If you've ever felt like you're spending too much time scrolling, if you've wondered why you can't put your phone down even when you want to, or if you've noticed your perception of the world changing based on your feed—this conversation explains why. Dr. Boxer Wachler brings the science, the medical perspective, and the solutions. This one's worth your full attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler's book "Influenced" about?
"Influenced: The Impact of Social Media on Our Perception" explores how social media platforms use algorithms and psychological mechanisms to shape our beliefs, behaviors, and perception of reality. Dr. Boxer Wachler explains the neurological basis for why we're all susceptible to influence regardless of intelligence or education.
Why does social media affect intelligent people and doctors?
According to Dr. Boxer Wachler, intelligence and education provide no protection against social media manipulation because these platforms exploit fundamental neurological pathways that exist in all human brains. The dopamine-driven reward systems and algorithmic content delivery bypass our conscious reasoning abilities.
How does social media change your brain?
Dr. Boxer Wachler explains that social media causes physical changes in brain structure and function by activating specific neurological pathways and creating addictive behavior patterns. Prolonged exposure to algorithm-driven content can alter dopamine release patterns and modify how the brain processes information and perceives reality.
What are practical strategies to protect yourself from social media manipulation?
Dr. Boxer Wachler shares actionable strategies including setting device boundaries, teaching critical thinking skills about online content, and understanding the neurological mechanisms at play. He emphasizes that complete abstinence isn't necessary for most people, but awareness and intentional usage patterns are essential.
How do social media algorithms manipulate perception?
Algorithms create curated feeds that shape what users believe is real, normal, and true by controlling what content appears and in what context. Dr. Boxer Wachler explains that the same information can be perceived entirely differently based on algorithmic presentation, affecting everything from self-esteem to political beliefs.
Related Episodes
Explores how social platforms affect anglers and outdoor enthusiasts
Practical strategies for balancing digital life with outdoor pursuits
Understanding brain function to optimize performance on and off the water
Developing skills to separate truth from manipulation in digital media
Sponsors
Keep your boat and gear in peak condition with Star brite's full line of marine care products trusted by anglers worldwide.
Shop Star britePremium fishing tackle and accessories for serious anglers who demand performance and reliability.
Shop DancoFuel your performance on and off the water with premium supplements trusted by athletes.
Shop 1st PhormMilitary-grade gear built for durability and performance in the toughest conditions.
Shop GORUCKPeople Mentioned
Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler - Ophthalmologist, eye surgeon, and author of "Influenced: The Impact of Social Media on Our Perception"
Free Resource
Download the Tom Rowland Podcast Knot Guide - essential knots every angler should know.
About this Guest
Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler
Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler is an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon who has performed tens of thousands of eye procedures throughout his medical career. He is the author of "Influenced: The Impact of Social Media on Our Perception," a book that explores how social media platforms manipulate our perceptions, beliefs, and understanding of reality through algorithms and psychological mechanisms. Dr. Boxer Wachler appears regularly on media outlets discussing eye health, vision care, and the neurological effects of technology on human perception. His work bridges medical science with the practical implications of living in a digitally connected world.
Listen or watch on your favorite platform:
