03 September 2025

Navigating Technology and Discipleship with Your Family | Doug Smith (Part 1)

The Covenant Eyes Podcast

About

Find the book (Un)Intentional by Doug Smith here:
https://www.amazon.com/Intentional-Screens-Secretly-Shape-Desires/dp/1625861966

Doug Smith's Website:
https://thatdougsmith.com/

Watch more episodes of The Covenant Eyes Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@covenanteyes
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In Part of a two-part interview, Covenant Eyes' Karen Potter and author Doug Smith discuss technology's impact on families and the church. Doug, a software engineer and a father of four, shares his unique perspective on tech and discipleship. He explains that technology companies exploit human psychology by using behavioral modification techniques to create addiction, likening the process to a "petri dish generation". He also discusses how the p*rnography industry is using these same techniques to target children. This episode offers parents practical strategies, such as setting screen-free mealtimes and removing screens from bedrooms, to become more intentional with technology.

Key Takeaways:
⭐ Learn about Doug Smith’s background and his motivation for writing his book, Unintentional.
⭐ Discover the difference between “intentional” and “unintentional” tech usage.
⭐ Explore why a screen-free youth group could be the key to authentic connection.

Timestamps:
00:00:06: Introduction to the episode and Doug Smith
00:00:50: Doug Smith's background and bio
00:01:21: Why Doug wrote the book, Unintentional
00:02:12: The idea of being a "petri dish generation"
00:03:02: The difference between tools and a “tech system”
00:06:05: How the tech industry uses behavioral psychology
00:07:34: The p*rnography industry as an example of behavioral modification
00:10:04: Using technology intentionally
00:13:00: The impact of screens on family life
00:15:00: Practical strategies for parents
00:17:01: A call to action for ministry leaders
00:20:02: The church as a place for authentic, screen-free relationships
00:20:49: The importance of being present and engaged
00:22:20: The future of technology and discipleship
00:24:00: The role of technology in shaping our lives and faith
00:28:15: The importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus
00:29:13: How to learn more from Doug Smith and his book

#CovenantEyes #DougSmith #Parenting #FaithAndTechnology #DigitalAddiction

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