All things being equal, workflows that minimize this never-ending stream of urgent communication are superior to those that instead amplify it. When … - Cal Newport

The idea that it’s valuable to maintain vast numbers of weak-tie social connections is largely an invention of the past decade or so — the detritus of overexuberant network scientists spilling inappropriately into the social sphere.

In the middle of a busy workday, or after a particularly trying morning of childcare, it’s tempting to crave the release of having nothing to do — whole blocks of time with no schedule, no expectations, and no activity beyond whatever seems to catch your attention in the moment. These decompression sessions have their place, but their rewards are muted, as they tend to devolve toward low-quality activities like mindless phone swiping and half-hearted binge-watching.

in 90 percent of your daily life, the presence of a cell phone either doesn’t matter or makes things only slightly more convenient. They’re useful, but it’s hyperbolic to believe its ubiquitous presence is vital.