Ep. 393: Can Movies Save Us From Our Phones?

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Last month, the Atlantic reported that film students are now struggling to sit through entire films. In this episode, Cal argues that this is both an issue and an opportunity. The fact we can’t watch full movies indicates the impact of digital tools on our brains is worse than we assumed. But in this problem, we also find a solution: maybe teaching ourselves to become better movie watchers can be the first step to reclaiming our own minds. Cal then dissects a viral AI essay that seems to have everyone worried (spoiler: Cal’s not impressed), reads a reader note about social media and the Olympics, and gives an update on his next book project.

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

IDEAS SEGMENT: Can Movies Save Us From Our Phones? [2:36]

NEWS AND NOTES SEGMENT:

Something Big is Happening [31:23]

Digital Minimalism and the Olympics [49:31]

WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [56:03]

Attensity

The Lost Island (Eilis Dillon)

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?

theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/01/college-students-movies-attention-span/685812/

fortune.com/2026/02/11/something-big-is-happening-ai-february-2020-moment-matt-shumer/

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 393: Can Movies Save Us From Our Phones?

Last month, the Atlantic reported that film students are now struggling to sit through entire films. In this episode, Cal argues that this is both an issue and an opportunity. The fact we can’t watch full movies indicates the impact of digital tools on our brains is worse than we assumed. But in this problem we also find a solution: maybe teaching ourselves to become better movie watchers can be the first step to reclaiming our own minds. Cal then dissects a viral AI essay that seems to have everyone worried (spoiler: Cal’s not impressed), reads a reader note about social media and the Olympics and gives an update on his next book project.

Download my FREE Deep Life Guide HERE: https://bit.ly/3QBIcug

Link to submit questions: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo

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

Below are the questions covered in today’s episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

IDEAS SEGMENT:

– Can Movies Save Us From Our Phones? [2:36]

NEW AND NOTES SEGMENT:

– Something Big is Happening [31:23]
– Digital Minimalism and the Olympics [49:33]

CAL’S READING UPDATE:

– Cal gives his weekly reading update [56:04]

Attensity
The Lost Island (Eilis Dillon)

YOUTUBE TITLE:

– On The Lost Art of Watching Movies | Cal Newport

LINKS:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
Order a signed copy of “Slow Productivity” here: https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/01/college-students-movies-attention-span/685812/
https://fortune.com/2026/02/11/something-big-is-happening-ai-february-2020-moment-matt-shumer/

Thanks to our Sponsors:

https://www.pipedrive.com/deep
https://www.drinkag1.com/deep
https://www.butcherbox.com/deep
https://www.grammarly.com

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

DEEP QUESTIONS