Plain English with Derek Thompson How the Digital Workplace Broke Our Brains
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Jul 5, 2023 Calvin Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown and author of 'Deep Work,' delves into the paradox of productivity tools in the digital age. He argues that email and Slack distract more than they enhance, making it harder to engage in deep, focused work. He highlights the strain of constant context switching that leaves workers logging late hours just to finish tasks. Newport also proposes the idea of 'slow productivity' to foster creativity and fulfillment, emphasizing the need for systemic change in workplace communication.
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The Internet's Genius Deficit
- The internet, despite its potential, hasn't produced more geniuses.
- Productivity tools often create too many distractions, hindering deep work.
The Communication Overload
- White-collar workers spend up to 60% of their workweek on electronic communication.
- Many workers log in late at night to finish actual work due to excessive meetings.
Deep Work Hypothesis
- Cal Newport's Deep Work Hypothesis suggests focused work, even for short periods, is highly productive.
- This ability is becoming rare while simultaneously increasing in value.
