Ep. 327: Would Kant Use TikTok?

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Nov 18, 2024

Explore the uneasy relationship with smartphones through the lens of Kant's moral philosophy. Delve into the effectiveness of distraction-free apps and how to successfully finish tasks. Learn about the tension between slow living and productivity. Discover strategies for restructuring academic duties and the role of algorithms in shaping online experiences. Gain insights into the workings of social media algorithms, particularly the differences between Twitter and TikTok. Uncover the complexities behind recommendation systems and their impact on user content preferences.

01:28:52

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ANECDOTE

Award-Winning Book

Cal Newport's book, Slow Productivity, won a business book award.
It was recognized as the best career development book of 2024 by SABEW.

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ADVICE

Thriller December

Embrace "Thriller December" by reading enjoyable books, not necessarily intellectual ones.
Start early and indulge in escapism.

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INSIGHT

Smartphone Unease

Many feel uneasy about smartphones, and the reason might be deeper than common explanations.
Immanuel Kant's moral philosophy can offer insights into this unease.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Celebrating Awards and Embracing Escapism Before a Thought-Provoking Deep Dive

02:18 • 4min

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Kantian Reflections on Digital Minimalism

06:22 • 19min

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Navigating Digital Autonomy

25:13 • 9min

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Mastering Multi-Scale Planning

34:13 • 9min

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Navigating Academia with Slow Living

43:03 • 23min

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Acronyms, Ads, and Algorithms

01:05:58 • 6min

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Algorithms Behind Social Media: Twitter vs. TikTok

01:12:07 • 12min

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The Complexity of Recommendation Algorithms

01:24:32 • 4min

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• Mentioned in 344 episodes

Deep Work

Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

Cal Newport

In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill. These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'. Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.

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• Mentioned in 113 episodes

Slow Productivity

The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout

Cal Newport

In this book, Cal Newport draws on the habits and mindsets of historical figures like Galileo, Isaac Newton, Jane Austen, and Georgia O’Keefe to propose a new approach to productivity. He argues against the modern culture of 'pseudo-productivity,' where busyness is mistaken for actual productivity. Instead, Newport advocates for 'slow productivity,' which involves doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality. The book combines cultural criticism with practical advice to help readers transform their work habits and achieve more sustainable and meaningful accomplishments.

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• Mentioned in 173 episodes

A World Without Email

Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload

Cal Newport

In 'A World Without Email', Cal Newport argues that the constant digital communication, which he terms the 'hyperactive hive mind', has become a productivity disaster. He contends that this workflow, driven by email and other messaging tools, reduces profitability, slows economic growth, and makes workers miserable. Newport proposes a workplace where clear processes, not haphazard messaging, define task management. He advocates for each person working on fewer tasks but doing them better, with significant investment in support to reduce administrative burdens. The book lays out principles and concrete instructions for streamlining important communication and reducing the central role of inboxes and chat channels in the workplace.

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• Mentioned in 189 episodes

Digital Minimalism

Cal Newport

In 'Digital Minimalism', Cal Newport argues that we need to be more intentional about the technologies we allow into our lives. He proposes a philosophy of digital minimalism, where individuals focus their online time on activities that strongly support their values and ignore the rest. The book highlights the negative effects of behavioral addictions created by technology, such as solitude deprivation and the fleeting nature of social media satisfaction. Newport suggests a 30-day 'digital declutter' process and other practices to help readers integrate digital minimalism into their lives, emphasizing the importance of optimizing technology use to support personal goals and values.

Almost everyone feels uneasy about their relationships with their smartphones. But the question is why? In today’s episode, Cal looks past the most common answers to seek a deeper understanding built on an unexpected source: the moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant. He then answers listener questions and ends the show with another edition of the tech corner segment.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Deep Dive: Would Kant Use TikTok? [6:13]

- Do “distraction free” apps work? [30:36]

- How can I finish what I start? [34:24]

- Is context shifting slowing down my work as a teacher? [37:42]

- How should I organize my official podcast duties with my traditional teaching requirements? [43:08]

- Is “slow living” and “slow productivity" the same thing? [49:00]

- CALL: Deep work blocks in the afternoon [55:58]

CASE STUDY: Re-designing a life with a new job [1:00:07]

TECH CORNER: How do recommendation algorithms work? [1:11:00]

Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow

Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/

Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?

youtu.be/SeZ1YOgbz18?si=kuCksvy_dGoOfx8Q

Thanks to our Sponsors:

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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