Ep. 370: Deep Work in the Age of AI

Ep. 370: Deep Work in the Age of AI

A recent study called into question a core assumption about the generative AI revolution: that these tools, at the very least, will make us more productive. In this episode, Cal dives deep into the study and argues that when it comes to efforts that require deep work, AI can sometimes make things worse. He then answers listener questions and then takes a closer look at an article claiming that the lack of Wi-Fi in a West Virginia school is making their students dumber.

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: Deep Work in the Age of AI [0:38]

  • Can ChatGPT chats act as single purpose notebooks for projects? [26:16]
  • When should I apply active recall? [29:34]
  • Do you have insights into AI’s environmental impact? [31:16]
  • What would you do if you left academia? [38:40]

CASE STUDY: Using strategies to develop a Deep Life [43:04]

CAL REACTS: Does lack of Wi-Fi make students dumber? [53:09W]

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?
metr.org/blog/2025-07-10-early-2025-ai-experienced-os-dev-study/
theatlantic.com/economy/archive/2025/09/ai-bubble-us-economy/684128/
marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2025/08/the-school-without-wifi.html
educationrecoveryscorecard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/report_WV_5401140_pocahontas-county-schools.pdf

Thanks to our Sponsors:

This show is sponsored by BetterHelp:
betterhelp.com/deepquestions
cozyearth.com/deep
shopify.com/deep
mybodytutor.com

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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episoder(412)

Ep. 52: Habit Tune-Up: Pandemic-Induced Overload, Side Hustles, and Managing for Depth

Ep. 52: Habit Tune-Up: Pandemic-Induced Overload, Side Hustles, and Managing for Depth

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can...

10 Des 202036min

Ep. 51: Saying "No", Building an Email List Without Social Media, and Falling Short of High Expectations | DEEP QUESTIONS

Ep. 51: Saying "No", Building an Email List Without Social Media, and Falling Short of High Expectations | DEEP QUESTIONS

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about saying "no" when others will say "yes" to the same offer, building an email list without social media, and falling short of high expec...

7 Des 20201h 19min

Ep. 50: Habit Tune-Up: Artificial Overload, Deep Retirement, and Motivational Crises

Ep. 50: Habit Tune-Up: Artificial Overload, Deep Retirement, and Motivational Crises

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can...

3 Des 202038min

Ep. 49: Organizing Massive Projects, Taming IM, and Exploring the Deep Life Canon

Ep. 49: Organizing Massive Projects, Taming IM, and Exploring the Deep Life Canon

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about organizing massive projects, taming IM, and elaborating the books I would include in the Deep Life Canon.To submit your own questions,...

30 Nov 20201h 34min

Ep. 48: Habit Tune-Up: Deep Athletes, Idea Capture, and Distracting Rumination

Ep. 48: Habit Tune-Up: Deep Athletes, Idea Capture, and Distracting Rumination

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can...

26 Nov 202049min

Ep. 47: BRAD STULBERG on Burn Out, Career Transformation, and Intentional Living

Ep. 47: BRAD STULBERG on Burn Out, Career Transformation, and Intentional Living

In this episode of DEEP QUESTIONS we're joined by a guest host: Brad Stulberg.Brad is a bestselling writer who focuses on human performance. He's known for his books PEAK PERFORMANCE and THE PASSION P...

23 Nov 20201h 48min

Ep. 46: Habit Tune-Up: Mastering Teaching, Containing Emotional Emails, and Working Deeply with a Newborn

Ep. 46: Habit Tune-Up: Mastering Teaching, Containing Emotional Emails, and Working Deeply with a Newborn

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can...

19 Nov 20201h 1min

Ep. 45: My Trello Setup, Student and Screens, My Call for a Deep Reset | DEEP QUESTIONS

Ep. 45: My Trello Setup, Student and Screens, My Call for a Deep Reset | DEEP QUESTIONS

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about dealing my Trello setup, reducing student screen time, and our collective need for a "deep reset," among many other topics.To submit y...

16 Nov 20201h 38min

Populært innen Fakta

mikkels-paskenotter
fastlegen
dine-penger-pengeradet
relasjonspodden-med-dora-thorhallsdottir-kjersti-idem
foreldreradet
treningspodden
rss-strid-de-norske-borgerkrigene
jakt-og-fiskepodden
takk-og-lov-med-anine-kierulf
sinnsyn
rss-kunsten-a-leve
hverdagspsyken
rss-bisarr-historie
rss-var-forste-kaffe
rss-kull
tomprat-med-gunnar-tjomlid
fryktlos
lederskap-nhhs-podkast-om-ledelse
gravid-uke-for-uke
rss-sunn-okonomi