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Quit Social Media

Some Notes from “Quit Social Media” by Dr. Cal Newport @ TedxTyson

Cal is not on social media.

He claims that he’s been more successful than ever without social media. My goal is to investigate why.

Debunking Common Objections

1. Social Media is one of the most important technologies in the 21st century. Rejecting it would be an act of extreme Luddism.

That’s pure nonsense. It is not a fundamental technology, but they leverage off a fundamental technology (think of it as slot machines). It’s pure (unsavoury) entertainment, and nothing more.

How could you trust using something that gathers directly from Las Vegas Casinos in terms of attention grabbing and making things addictive?

2. Social Media is ESSENTIAL for Success in the 21st Century

Once again, this is nonsense.

An easy replicable action, will not be rewarded. If a 6 y.o. child can do the same things as you, the market will not reward you.

If the things you build bring real value, you’ll be able to build a successful and meaningful life (yes, regardless the number of IG followers you have…).

3. OK, maybe you’re right. But at least is harmless…

Mhh, this is just wrong. This point misses the fact that social medias bring a lot of documented harms. The most important thing is professional success (that really matters in the current economy).

The plan is to fragment your attention at every time possible. This REDUCES the capacity of your brain to do things. Your ability to deep work (is this a cit?) drops significantly.

Psychologically speaking, we know that the constant exposure to people’s “perfect lives” can put you in depression very easily (and it is on the line to do it with me).

The substantial difference (following the above scenario) is that Las Vegas slot machines are fixed in casinos, and Social Media is constantly with you.

I’ll begin using social media again when I found a substantial benefit that overcomes what has been said.

The Detox Process

The first weeks could be hard. But then…

  1. You become quite productive (without overworking) –> Cal is a professor in a very important research institute, with five books published and works ’til 5 in the afternoon.
  2. You’ll discover that intensity beats time (will cover this in the future!).

Conclusion

If you considered this as something helpful, GOOD! Otherwise, we can discuss your thoughts together!

Thanks for passing by,

Federico