Ep. 382: Is the Internet Becoming Television?

Ep. 382: Is the Internet Becoming Television?

Author: Cal Newport December 8, 2025 Duration: 1:15:26
Last month, Derek Thompson published an intriguing essay that made waves in technology criticism circles. It was titled: “Everything is Television.” In today’s episode, Cal takes a closer look at this essay, unpacking and expanding Thompson’s arguments, and ultimately concluding with a series of predictions about what to expect next from the internet. He then answers listener questions and discusses the five books he read in November 2025. 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: Is the Internet Becoming Television [00:03] Can AI reduce distractions for developers? [38:32] How do I time block in a job with heavy interruptions? [44:03] How should I manage what I read, watch and listen to for books, magazines, shows, and podcasts? [47:31] How should I cope with family and friends always scrolling TikTok during the holiday season? [52:50] Does endless scrolling make people less motivated to be physically active? [54:48] CASE STUDY: Developing a Deep Life after selling a company [56:15] CALL: Eliminating Instagram in graduate school [1:04:19] NOVEMBER BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in November 2025 [1:09:08] Realityland (David Koening)Becoming Mary Poppins (Todd James Pierce)Tradition in an Untraditional Age (Rabbi Jonathan Sacks)What is the Bible? (Rob Bell)Notes on Being a Man (Scott Galloway) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?flowingdata.com/2025/10/03/passed-peak-social-media-maybe/derekthompson.org/p/why-everything-became-televisionyoutube.com/watch?v=QaiecWzeHFMcsmonitor.com/1985/0610/z2vid1.html Thanks to our Sponsors:  cozyearth.com/DEEP (for up to 40% off)auraframes.com (Use code “DEEPQUESTIONS” to get $35 off)indeed.com/deepgrammarly.com/podcast 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

Cal Newport, a computer science professor and bestselling author, brings his thoughtful exploration of technology's role in our lives into an audio format with Deep Questions with Cal Newport. Moving beyond the pages of his books, this podcast creates a direct dialogue where he addresses the real-world challenges submitted by his readers. Each episode feels like a focused conversation, tackling the practicalities of building a meaningful and productive life in an age of constant connectivity. You’ll hear specific strategies for cultivating sustained focus, designing a work life that allows for depth, and establishing boundaries with the digital tools that so often fragment our attention. The discussions are grounded in his research and philosophy, avoiding simplistic life-hacks in favor of sustainable systems. Whether it's navigating the demands of a distracted workplace, finding time for deep hobbies, or managing technology without feeling overwhelmed, Newport provides nuanced advice that connects the dots between personal effectiveness and broader societal trends. This isn't just another productivity podcast; it's a consistent source for rethinking how we engage with our work, our time, and our devices to reclaim a sense of purpose and control. The overall tone is both analytical and accessible, making complex ideas about living and working deeply feel immediately applicable to daily routines. Tuning into this podcast offers a regular opportunity to step back from the noise and consider a more intentional approach to everything you do.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Podcast Episodes
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Ep. 394: Do I Need a Better Planning System? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Ep. 393: Can Movies Save Us From Our Phones? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Ep. 391: Is AI Reporting Broken? + Rethinking Morning Routines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Ep. 389: Is the Internet Hijacking Ambition? + Escaping Messaging Hell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:50:26
It’s natural to feel ambition, as we’re wired to find great satisfaction in accomplishing hard goals. But what impact has the internet had on this instinct? To help explore this question, author Brad Stulberg, author of…