The Unmistakable Creative Podcast Cal Newport: Why Social Media Is Big Tobacco Not Big Oil and the Steam Whistle Theory of Attention
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Nov 25, 2025 
Cal Newport, a computer science professor and author of 'Digital Minimalism,' argues that social media is more like big tobacco than big oil—a cultural ill that needs rejection. He discusses how social media drains creative energy, comparing tweets to steam whistles that sap focus. Newport emphasizes the importance of authentic connections over self-promotion, and he promotes the value of structured work and real-life interactions. He also shares insights on improving attention and productivity through mindful tech habits.
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Analog Contact Satisfies Social Brains
- Our social brain responds to high-bandwidth analog interaction, not ASCII text on screens.
- Real satisfaction comes from non-trivial sacrifices of time with close friends and family.
Do A 30-Day Digital Break
- Take a 30-day break from optional social technologies to rediscover valued activities and goals.
- Use that empty period to decide which tech supports your vision before restoring any accounts.
Cognitive Fitness As Competitive Edge
- Cognitive fitness resembles athletic training and underpins elite performance across fields.
- Strengthening concentration is often the decisive edge in knowledge work and creative pursuits.
