Navigating Digital Well-Being in the Age of AI
Author and experience designer Caitlin Krause joins Coffey & Code to unpack digital wellbeing beyond buzzwords: agency over algorithms, the “presence pyramid,” culture cornerstones (dignity, freedom, invention, agency), and practical ways to design for authentic connection in an age of AI, agents, and XR. The conversation spans data ownership, interoperable “internet of agents” ideas like Project NANDA, the loneliness epidemic, and responsible product choices that reduce harm and increase belongingEpisode At A Glance:Define “digital wellbeing” without the hype: aligning intention and attention; context over one-size-fits-all rulesAgency over algorithms: opting into platforms and practices that honor user choice, not just engagement metricsPresence Pyramid & somatic awareness: embodied practices that translate across 2D, XR, and spatial environmentsCulture Cornerstones: dignity → freedom → invention → agency as a repeatable loop for teams and communitiesFrom silos to interoperability: why open protocols for AI agents matter (e.g., Project NANDA)Designing for belonging: move beyond performative social to ambient, low-stakes co-presence that reduces lonelinessSafety first: name harms clearly; pair AI with human support paths and mood check-ins after useResources Mentioned:Digital Well-being (book) by Caitlin Krause; also: Designing Wonder, Mindful by DesignPresence Pyramid (framework)Project NANDA: Networked AI Agents and Decentralized ArchitectureStanford HAI; MIT Media Lab; AR in ActionResearch/voices referenced: Esther Perel, Sherry Turkle, Brené Brown, Fei-Fei Li, Ramesh Raskar, David EaglemanOn anthropomorphism of AI (NPR segment)988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US)
EPISODE CREDITS:Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.Headshot by Brandlink MediaIntroduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey LINKSFollow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live. © 2025 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ireland