Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Ep. 370: Deep Work in the Age of AI


Listen Later

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.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Deep Questions with Cal NewportBy Cal Newport

    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8

    4.8

    1,291 ratings


    More shows like Deep Questions with Cal Newport

    View all
    The Tim Ferriss Show by Tim Ferriss: Bestselling Author, Human Guinea Pig

    The Tim Ferriss Show

    16,174 Listeners

    The Knowledge Project by Shane Parrish

    The Knowledge Project

    2,672 Listeners

    The Art of Manliness by The Art of Manliness

    The Art of Manliness

    14,296 Listeners

    Conversations with Tyler by Mercatus Center at George Mason University

    Conversations with Tyler

    2,461 Listeners

    The Rich Roll Podcast by Rich Roll

    The Rich Roll Podcast

    11,904 Listeners

    Best of Both Worlds Podcast by iHeartPodcasts

    Best of Both Worlds Podcast

    776 Listeners

    Modern Wisdom by Chris Williamson

    Modern Wisdom

    4,025 Listeners

    The Peter Attia Drive by Peter Attia, MD

    The Peter Attia Drive

    8,043 Listeners

    The Daily Stoic by Daily Stoic | Backyard Ventures

    The Daily Stoic

    4,942 Listeners

    Your Undivided Attention by The Center for Humane Technology, Tristan Harris, Aza Raskin

    Your Undivided Attention

    1,635 Listeners

    The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos by Pushkin Industries

    The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

    14,324 Listeners

    excellence, actually by Steve Magness, Brad Stulberg, & Clay Skipper

    excellence, actually

    374 Listeners

    Best Laid Plans by Sarah Hart-Unger

    Best Laid Plans

    821 Listeners

    Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

    Huberman Lab

    29,272 Listeners

    How I Write by David Perell

    How I Write

    9 Listeners