Why do digital detoxes fail to create lasting change? What works better? To answer these questions, Cal draws from the book “A Brief History of Intelligence” to reveal the relevant neuroscience at play, and then use this understanding to figure out a better method for improving your relationship with your devices.
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Below are the questions covered in today’s episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
DEEP DIVE:
(2:12) Why do digital detoxes fail?
QUESTIONS:
(28:28) An article on the phone algorithm addiction
(35:13) Follow up on the Brad Stulberg interview
(40:21) A policy article on digital addiction
(52:34) Deep work in the age of AI
WHAT CAL IS UP TO:
(57:46) What Cal is up to
YOUTUBE TITLE:
– Why Digital Detoxes Don’t Work (And What Actually Does)
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.nytimes.com/2018/02/04/us/politics/online-addictions-cut-back-screen-time.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/14/opinion/culture/phone-algorithm-addiction.html
https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/learn/goodharts-law.html
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Kieron Rees for episode music.
