3 habits to practice curiosity — and escape your phone | Nayeema Raza - TED Talks Daily Recap

Podcast: TED Talks Daily

Published: 2026-03-12

Duration: 22 min

Guests: Nayeema Raza

Summary

Nayeema Raza advocates for reviving three simple habits—pausing, wondering, and asking questions—to break free from the hold of technology and reconnect with curiosity, presence, and human connection.

What Happened

Nayeema Raza begins her talk with a paradox shared by two 11-year-olds, Sophie and Dylan, who feel more connected to friends while on screens than in real life. This, Raza notes, highlights how pervasive technology has become, reshaping our sense of presence and connection.

Using the metaphor of a man trapped in a self-driving car going in circles, Raza suggests that the 'tech apocalypse' might not be dramatic but mundane, as technology quietly disintermediates us from each other and from our own curiosity. She observes that our reliance on devices to instantly answer questions makes us lazier and less connected, with research from MIT pointing to a decline in critical thinking and engagement.

Raza proposes three habits to counter this trend: pausing before reaching for a device, allowing the brain to process better; wondering without immediately Googling an answer, fostering curiosity; and asking questions aloud, which can stimulate meaningful conversations. She reflects on personal experiences, including her father's passing, to illustrate how these old habits can create moments of real connection and presence.

In her conversation with host Elise Hugh, Raza delves into the importance of curiosity in fostering trust and engagement. She argues that asking questions—even so-called 'dumb' ones—disarms others, builds rapport, and enhances learning. She shares how this ethos drives her podcast, 'Smart Girl Dumb Questions,' where she challenges experts to admit what they don't know.

Raza also discusses the generational divide in how technology influences connection. She notes that while younger generations are more aware of the risks, adults often fail to model the behavior they advocate. She predicts that society may eventually view screens as we now view cigarettes: addictive and harmful.

The conversation touches on actionable ways to foster curiosity and presence, such as creating moments of unplugged joy and encouraging inquiry rather than imposing perspectives. Raza emphasizes the value of asking questions to challenge certainty and open pathways for deeper understanding.

Finally, Raza reflects on the broader implications of technology, expressing curiosity about how it might evolve to integrate more deeply with humanity. She ponders whether future generations might become 'Homo Machinus' as we merge with machines, raising profound questions about the nature of human connection and identity.

Key Insights

• MIT research links heavy reliance on devices for instant answers to a measurable decline in critical thinking and engagement. By outsourcing curiosity to our phones, we're effectively dulling our mental agility and ability to connect offline.
• Pausing before grabbing your phone rewires your brain to process more deeply, according to Nayeema Raza. This small hesitation creates space for curiosity to flourish—an antidote to the autopilot scrolling that disconnects us from ourselves and others.
• Asking 'dumb' questions actively builds trust and rapport, says Raza, who uses this approach on her podcast 'Smart Girl Dumb Questions.' Experts become more relatable when they admit gaps in their knowledge, creating room for better learning and connection.
• Raza predicts screens may eventually be viewed like cigarettes—addictive, harmful, and socially stigmatized. While younger generations are more attuned to these risks, adults undermine progress by failing to model healthy digital habits.

Key Questions Answered

What are Nayeema Raza's three habits to reclaim curiosity on TED Talks Daily?

Nayeema Raza recommends three habits: pausing before reaching for a device to allow your brain to process, wondering without immediately seeking answers online, and asking questions aloud to foster meaningful conversations.

Why does Nayeema Raza believe technology harms connection, as discussed in TED Talks Daily?

Raza argues that technology distances us from our own curiosity and from each other, creating a paradox where people feel more connected on screens but are less present in real life. Research suggests this reliance on tech makes us less smart and more disengaged.

What does Nayeema Raza predict about the future of screens and technology?

Raza predicts that in 5-10 years, society may view screens as we currently view cigarettes—addictive and harmful. She also speculates on a future where humans and machines might merge, potentially evolving into 'Homo Machinus.'