Ep. 361: Do You Need an App Blocker?

In this episode of Deep Questions, Cal Newport discusses app blockers, addressing whether they're necessary, which ones to use, and the long-term goals of using them, emphasizing the validity of feeling overwhelmed by phone use and offering solutions ranging from built-in screen time apps to complete digital detox. He then answers listener questions on topics such as transitioning to a paper-based task management system, managing administrative work as a lecturer, dealing with Twitter addiction, reading newsletters effectively, and the viability of polyphasic sleep. The episode also features a case study on implementing shutdown rituals and a discussion on the current state of AI in computer coding, cautioning against overconfidence in AI's capabilities.