Welcome back to GrownFolksBizness. I'm Denise, and as always I'm here with Marcus. Today we're talking about something that I know a lot of our listeners wrestle with — technology. How do you live in this digital world without feeling like it's running you?

Right, and I want to start by saying — this is not a conversation about whether you should be on social media or not. That ship has sailed for most of us. This is about being intentional. Because the platforms are designed to keep you scrolling, keep you reacting, keep you engaged. And that's not always in your best interest.

Let's talk about algorithms first, because I think a lot of people don't fully understand what's happening. When you open Facebook or YouTube, you're not seeing a neutral feed. You're seeing what a computer decided will keep you on the platform the longest.

And what keeps people engaged? Strong emotions. Outrage, fear, excitement. So the algorithm is literally feeding you content designed to provoke a reaction. That's why you can go on to check the weather and come off feeling anxious about the state of the world.

So what do we do about it? I've started something I call a 'digital Sabbath.' One day a week — for me it's Sunday — I don't open any social media. And the difference in how I feel by Monday morning is remarkable.

I love that. I do something similar with my phone — I have a rule that I don't look at it for the first hour of the morning. That first hour belongs to me. Coffee, prayer, a little reading. Then I'll check what's going on in the world.

Now let's talk about AI, because that's the big conversation right now. And I know some of our listeners are a little nervous about it. What do you say to someone who feels like AI is just too complicated or too scary?

I say — you've already been using AI for years and didn't know it. When your phone suggests the next word in a text message, that's AI. When Netflix recommends a show, that's AI. When your GPS reroutes you around traffic, that's AI. It's not new. It's just gotten more visible.

And the new tools — like the chatbots — can actually be really useful for us. I've used one to help me draft a letter to my insurance company. I've used it to get a recipe explained in simpler terms. I've used it to understand a medical report.

The key is knowing what it's good at and what it's not. It's great for drafting, summarizing, explaining. It's not reliable for current news or medical diagnoses. Think of it like a very well-read assistant who sometimes makes things up — so you always verify anything important.

That's such a good way to put it. Now let's talk about scams, because this is serious. Technology has made it easier for people to target older adults. What should our listeners be watching for?

The number one rule: if someone contacts you out of the blue — by phone, email, or text — and asks for money or personal information, stop. Hang up. Don't click the link. Call the organization directly using a number you look up yourself. Legitimate companies don't pressure you to act immediately.

And talk to your family about this. There's no shame in saying 'I got this call and I wasn't sure.' That conversation could save you thousands of dollars and a lot of heartache.

Before we wrap up — resources. AARP has a free Tech Help program. Many public libraries offer free digital literacy classes. And if you have grandkids, let them teach you something. It's good for the relationship and you might be surprised what you learn.

That's the truth. Alright, that's our conversation for today. Technology should work for you — not the other way around. You get to decide how much of it comes into your life. Until next week, take care of yourselves.

Stay grounded, grown folks. We'll see you next time.