Deep Questions with Cal Newport Ep. 355: Quit Social Media (For Real This Time)
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Jun 2, 2025 The discussion begins with a critique of social media, likening it to ultra-processed foods and exploring its impact on mental health. Insights into work-life balance shine a light on the benefits of a four-day workweek. Strategies for optimizing cognitive performance focus on avoiding distractions and the detrimental effects of TikTok. A whimsical artwork sparks laughter, while a diverse reading list reveals intriguing new titles. Finally, modern capitalism is examined through a unique lens that blends tradition and critique.
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Social Media as Ultra-Processed Food
- Social media content is like "ultra-processed food" that is engineered to hijack human desire and is much harder to consume healthily than other media.
- Unlike past media panics (comic books, TV), social media's advanced manipulative content could justify quitting it entirely for mental health.
Boost Analytical Thinking
- Avoid context switching when learning hard material for an immediate thinking boost.
- Train your brain with daily reading (start with 20 pages) and 10 minutes of reflective solitude to improve deep analytical thinking.
Remote Internship Time Blocking
- Use time blocking to impose structure and maintain motivation during remote solo work.
- Keep work hours focused and tight, then shut down to maintain balance and avoid work creeping into personal time.
