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.
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