MercatorNet: IT prof’s advice: quit social media

MercatorNet: IT prof’s advice: quit social media

IT prof’s advice: quit social media

A brilliant TED talk on how fragmented attention harms us

Michael Cook | Oct 31 2016 |  1 

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This is a brilliant TED talk on the value of social media. Cal Newport, a Millennial, a computer science prof at Georgetown University and a best-selling author, argues that its value is almost nil. It’s not media, but entertainment. It’s not vital for success. In fact, it harms people by distracting them and keeping them from immersing themselves in what he calls “deep work”. 

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Today’s theme is freedom of conscience. In an article about opposition to same-sex marriage in the US and Australia, Campbell Markham invokes the stirring words of Winston Churchill – “Tyranny is our foe, whatever trappings or disguise it wears, whatever language it speaks, be it external or internal, we must forever be on our guard, ever mobilised, ever vigilant, always ready to spring at its throat.” And Dr Will Johnston notes troubling developments in Canada after the legalisation of euthanasia. 

After the "greatest generation" saved the world for democracy and free speech in World War II, supporters of these controversial policies are manipulating the law to force conscientious objectors out of professions and out of business. It could be a great tragedy. 

Michael Cook 
Editor 
MERCATORNET

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IT prof’s advice: quit social media By Michael Cook A brilliant TED talk on how fragmented attention harms us Read the full article

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MERCATORNET | New Media Foundation 
Suite 12A, Level 2, 5 George Street, North Strathfied NSW 2137, Australia 

Designed by elleston

New Media Foundation | Suite 12A, Level 2, 5 George St | North Strathfield NSW 2137 | AUSTRALIA | +61 2 8005 8605 

MercatorNet: IT prof’s advice: quit social media