Deep Questions with Cal Newport Ep. 382: Is the Internet Becoming Television?
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Dec 8, 2025 A thought-provoking exploration of whether the internet is evolving into a form of television unfolds with insights from Derek Thompson's essay. The discussion highlights the growing dominance of video content on social media, drawing parallels to the flow of traditional television. Listeners are also treated to practical advice on managing distractions, embracing time blocking, and coping with the incessant scrolling habits of loved ones. As predictions about the future of media are shared, the conversation weaves in a case study on building a fulfilling life post-business success.
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Everything Turning Into A Video Flow
- Derek Thompson argues media is converging into a continuous flow of episodic video, i.e., 'television'.
- This frames many internet trends (social video, video podcasts, AI video) as part of a single cultural shift.
Social Media Is Less Social, More Television
- Meta reported over 80% of Facebook time and 90% of Instagram time is video from strangers, not social interaction.
- Cal Newport uses this to show social networks are shifting from social graphs to passive video consumption.
Television's 'Flow' Explains TikTok
- Raymond Williams' concept of 'flow' distinguishes television from discrete media like books.
- Newport uses this to link modern short-form feeds to a continuous, nonspecific experience.
