"The Hijack: What's Actually Happening When You Pickup Your Phone"

"The Hijack: What’s Actually Happening When You Pick Up Your Phone"
With Vivek Nauhbar

Summary
Pick up your phone. Now think about why you picked it up. Most of us can’t say. We just did.

This talk is about what was actually happening in the seconds before that. Inside your brain, in a part of you that has nothing to do with conscious choice, a system that is roughly fifty thousand years old has just been triggered by a piece of software designed by people who understand it better than you do.

I want to spend forty minutes walking through what your brain is, how it evolved, and what specifically goes on when an app gets you to reach for the phone you didn’t mean to reach for. Some of it is dopamine. Some of it is a part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex going quiet at the worst possible moment. Some of it is the fact that the same neuroscience used to design large language models is also being used to design the apps in your pocket.

I will also talk about the opposite. The state where your brain is genuinely yours again. There is a name for that, and the science of how to get there is more useful than I expected.

Bio
Vivek Nauhbar leads GenAI transformation at Reckitt, with his work on the topic published in Harvard Business Review. What drew him into neuroscience was noticing how AI itself is built. Large language models shaped by reinforcement learning, the same mechanism that shapes human behaviour. The more he worked with one, the more curious he became about the other. SynapticFlow, his neuroscience-based leadership company, grew out of that curiosity. He also mentors several early-stage startups. Twenty years across consulting and industry, including time at BCG, advising top-tier CEOs on strategy and leadership.

Venue:
The Blues Kitchen Brixton,
40 Acre Ln,
London
SW2 5SP

Event Running Time:
Doors: 7pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm

Food:
If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts.

FAQs:

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is always the option to purchase food at our events.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Can I get my ticket exchanged?

We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event pet friendly?

Yes, we allow pets to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.