18min chapter

Deep Questions with Cal Newport cover image

Ep. 345: Are We Getting Dumber?

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

CHAPTER

Cognitive Decline in the Smartphone Era

This chapter explores the troubling suggestion that human cognitive abilities may have peaked, particularly discussing the decline in reasoning and problem-solving skills since the early 2010s. It examines the correlation between increased smartphone use and cognitive decline, highlighting the distractions posed by the attention economy. The speakers propose practical strategies for enhancing cognitive skills, emphasizing the importance of reading and reflective activities as countermeasures to technology-driven distractions.

00:00

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode