The Distraction Economy

The development of technology has, over centuries, freed up more and more of our time making possible non-survival-related pursuits like art and science. Now it's gotten to a point where there is so much 'free time' that demand for distraction supports 24 hour news sites and KZbin channels. I'm proposing that following our impulses into constant distraction may not be the best way to spend our time. It may prey on weak points of our psychology that evolved hundreds of thousands of years ago and it may make us think less effectively. Now consider I'm making this argument in a KZbin video you may be using to waste your time. I know, how meta.

[@ZweiZombies]

I think you are right. I just watched a video about the correct technique while thrusting with a sword. I DO NOT EVEN HAVE A SWORD.

[@derek]

Love this comment

[@demonsXneverXdie]

Dude link? Now I wanna watch! Im failing this diet already

[@BinaryHistory]

Check out Skallagrim's channel

[@tylero8595]

lolololo

[@holderua]

all you need is a pommel to end em rightly

[@kolmenoitaayeet]

I love these walk and talk videos.

[@tomasmorales814]

They're always in the loveliest settings

[@BrickFlicksTV]

I think you're being distracted ;-)

[@DennyVlogs]

+Tomas Morales always some European cities

[@eahere]

+

[@antonottto]

+

[@Dunam]

If I went on a low information diet, I would have never found this.

[@peternorth4143]

so true

[@Macatho]

Spot on

[@nenume00]

so what's the conclusion

[@wanderingman8921]

REKT

[@camagramps1]

Conclusion? Well, what I think I heard is, 'there's nothing you can do about anything anyway so, don't worry....everything will be okay..... work, be productive, don't worry so much about feeding your brain.... just relax....' I personally found this more than a little disturbing.

[@dannysulyma6273]

But you are part of my information diet !

[@alecashforth9336]

+

[@ChinmayaNagpal]

+

[@joshualanter5903]

mine too. I've been waiting on a new video forever it seems like.

[@AmolMahurkar]

maybe eliminate the rest.. non-fruitful ones

[@Sikorsky66]

+

[@sxsxpl]

The best balance - create more than you consume. And when you consume, be picky, unsubscribe from low value streams of information.

[@kevinjacob8231]

Thanks man! That's a really good advice.

[@dtebel]

My wife suggested we start "Slow Sundays" and use that day to unplug from the net. No phones, not lappies, no internet, cats, listicles, etc. So far so good!

[@paulosah1317]

Good idea. I think I should apply this.

[@antonio20123]

I love how these vids are full of honesty.

[@Gruncival]

That's it. You've struck why I like these too. He puts voice to the feelings I always try to hide.

[@ayhamsaffar8407]

it is remarkable how pleasing it is when you come up with ideas or explanations, which you keep to yourself on account of the tendency of others to shame or deny it given its unique nature, then have it explained and cited/ refereed to with a specific term by a professional

[@GBianchi123]

+

[@derek]

I'm very glad to hear that - I'll do my best to keep making these videos.

[@antonio20123]

+2veritasium If there is any combination of words I could tell you, that you could read and act base upon, I would say: Do you have an opinion about a man called Steven Greer? He's making a 2nd movie. He is just a doctor. I feel the same honesty you have, emanating from his words, body language and ultimate goal. He interviewed Edgar Mitchell, Nick Pope and 60 other people that I watched on video. ... I have my life on stop until I see what will happen on this planet after his next movie called "Unacknowledged". I will keep holding on to the hope of a reply from you. The last thing one lose is hope. Cheers from the land of Larimar Stones at the Caribbean.(While we still have those mineral, once China is done mining that on this country, it will be officially an extint mineral)

[@panadudeTV]

Glad the title wasn't "Is The Media Distracting You From The Truth?"

[@fisheatsyourhead]

"You wouldn't believe what the media is doing to your mind!"

[@TallOldOak]

Top 10 things that the media doesn't want you to know, number 6 will surprise you

[@NabsterHax]

6 Ways To Stop Modern Media Making You Less Productive! Clickbait Sites Hate It!

[@ricois3]

WOW! Now I know!

[@WingsWithFeet]

I mean they are tho

[@SickPrid3]

"...the solution hit me, just kind of bubbled up from somewhere..." not the best choice of words describing bathroom moment ;D

[@razeezar]

And "I'd been thinking so hard about it, it blocked me from seeing the answer".

[@emrysmcwryn7902]

Thinking from the gut.

[@gloeibrood]

'My epiphany', scrubs...

[@jenkins_onpiano]

yes

[@MrUncleTings]

i had to pause the video because i thought i had another oneof your videos playing in the background. lel love this video though

[@rjfaber1991]

Yeah, me too...

[@sohailahmed1351]

hello yeah me too

[@ChrisSanchez]

Same!

[@lazyboy1060]

I actually clicked on another video of his i saw right at the start and paused it in another tab, I was so confused.

[@thegoon459]

lmao me too

[@rockets4kids]

“Most neuroses and some psychoses can be traced to the unnecessary and unhealthy habit of daily wallowing in the troubles and sins of five billion strangers.” ― Robert A. Heinlein, Stranger in a Strange Land

[@NJOverclocked]

I'm literally editing my next video right now and distracting myself with this video because I saw it in my Recommended.

[@Royced5]

I don't think this counts per se because of its informative nature but me saying that feels hypocritical to what was just layed out in the video so hell if I know, happy editing.

[@sthngo]

*per se (by itself) it's latin

[@FubukiShiromiya]

I spend this kind of time listening to KZbin videos, particularly educational ones to try to gain a better understanding of the world around me. I've benefited from channels like SciShow, Veritasium, MinutePhysics, Kurzgesagt and PBS Space Time in ways that I can't even quantify. In a way this is quite the opposite of what is being suggested in this video. We only have so much time available to us, I would like to use as much if it as possible to enrich my existence in some way. That is why I try to learn new subjects like math and physics rather than checking the news and Facebook.

[@thewrathtocome4971]

This topic is so pertinent and few people recognize it. Thanks for airing an important narrative.

[@TheFluffyTRex]

Information is like food for the brain. If you feed it quality information like great audio-books, you thrive. Clicking through top 10 slide-shows is like eating a shitty burger. I think both approaches work when it comes to either avoiding information or obtaining a lot of it. Elon Musk is an information sponge - he is very successful but doesn't seem happy. Richard Branson barely reads at all - he is also successful and seems happier. Boredom is also good for us, so I think having periods where you are cramming your brain with info, and rest periods where you avoid it. Too much of anything is a bad thing. Variation and quality is everything :)

[@stroke80fr]

amen to that ! very wise thinking

[@JJC1138]

Very well said!

[@TobiBaronski]

Why doesn't Elon Musk seem happy?

[@peterfaber9316]

People like Elon Musk are happy too. Their faces just don't express a lot of emotion, which a lot of people, especially extroverts, confuse for less happiness. But you´re right, superficial information probably isn't the most helpful, though I think a lot of that has to do with compensation. They take the serious things in life too serious and then compensate with extremely superficial information.

[@MrRishik123]

Sponsored by audible? :P

[@meowtherainbowx4163]

Me: "This was very meaningful." Also me: *watches 90 more minutes of KZbin before doing homework*

[@jan137137]

I think the reason why so many people search for that distraction all the time is just to avoid being confronted with the fact that they could be more productive. Totally opening yourself to all the things you need to do, end all the responsibilities you have can often be just too overwhelming.

[@TheSlowGrowth]

So you are recommending to ignore politics? Man, that's rubbish. A lot of the stuff that shapes our lives is global nowadays. If I only pay attention to my local circle (as you called it) then how can humanity possibly solve the greater problems of our time? Really, your recommendation leads towards accepting simple answers and ignoring global relationships and thus creates more populism in the world. And frankly, we have enough of that already. I totally agree with you that we spend too much time with stuff that doesn't lead to any useful result (btw, relaxation is a useful result in this regard). But we shouldn't overshoot and totally ignore anything that seems outside our immediate reach. As I said, international politics is hugely important (more than ever before) and even though we have only a small voice in the global context we should still use it instead of just focussing on our local surroundings.

[@derek]

You're right, watching lots of news makes people more informed, active global citizens. What was I thinking?

[@boobio1]

Yes you should delete this video and your channel.

[@TheSlowGrowth]

Just to be clear: I don't think your recommendation is entirely wrong. I just think you're going too far. It's not helpful to ignore any news - nor is it to check the news every 5 min. It's a matter of the right mixture. E.g. briefly checking the news once a day. Reading some in-depth articles every now and then. Maybe news-consumption should be less frequent but more deep? Maybe the type of consumption you refer to is the one where we quickly skim over the headlines without really taking the time to think about what we read because we actually aren't really in the mood anyway. And maybe the type of news consumption that I refer to is where we read the news with curiosity. Where we dive deep into the topics because we really want to know more.

[@PCIproductions]

More informed to what? I mean honestly all these different media channels, websites, apps, what have you. Are very misleading.. Not to mention one media group has something totally different to say then there counterpart. I don't watch the news not because I don't care. But because it's so misleading. Only thing I'd suggest is since you like to be informed then take the next step and get involved.You have this great channel and others, you know people, and last but not least you're super inteligent. Sir you don't need to be told what's going on you need to be in the know if you're passionate about it. Good luck.

[@EposVox]

Gotta love extremists... "Let's not take every inactive moment and flood our brains with information" does NOT equal "let's ignore politics and news altogether."

[@markrcca5329]

I'm definitely addicted to political and world news. But I console myself that at least I do not spend any time watching or reading about sports, which is even less useful in life than political news...

[@360.Tapestry]

you sure?

[@markrcca5329]

100% sure. The only sports I'm interested in, is the sports I myself engage in, not watching others do it. In theory, I might find it interesting to watch professionals play a sport, if I was trying to learn from them. But of all sports activities I like to engage in, I'm not sufficiently high-level, that I could derive any benefit from watching Olympic-level athletes do it.

[@mikeporter4682]

+Mark Rcca I see what your saying, but now politics, world news, has all been turned into a "team based" activity too...u got your red and blue( Dems and repubs), trump - hillary, establishment,-- anti establishment..

[@laliday]

_Mark Rcca - I agree completely. I have been saying this for the longest time. If I'm interested in something I'm going to engage in it. And this year I won't be watching Olympics. Olympics can be inspiring, they can help people discover new sports, and fun in physical activity. There's some purpose to it. But at this point in my life, I don't need to watch it.

[@markrcca5329]

Mike Porter aah, true. I'm a bit different from most people though. I'm completely independent of any party. I voted for Republicans and Democrats, for years. Often I vote for the two senators from opposite parties. This year I voted for Bernie Sanders in the primaries, and now I'm going to vote for Donald Trump. I tell my friends that "politically, I'm a total whore". It confuses the heck out of people ;)

[@DJ_Dopamine]

I couldn't agree more. A few years ago I moved to a new country and was living in the countryside - basically off the grid working on a new project. For a couple of years I didn't check news on the internet and rarely checked emails at all or watched TV. I felt more focused, relaxed less distracted and de-stressed than ever before. Sadly my lifestyle has changed back again and I no longer live that way (hence the comments on this video!)....

[@clouwds5739]

Awh):

[@UnknownXV]

As they say, ignorance is bliss.

[@h.franzen4186]

+Cuzeg Spiked kek

[@Julio7514]

why were you out at 5:30 am? just woke up or were you playing pokemon GO?

[@veritasium]

That's one distraction I've been able to avoid!

[@joji683]

Just an element of truth!

[@lzzw8273]

+

[@listek981]

+Markich C Comparing both pokemon and news, the second distractor is better. News doesn't appear every second but pokemon does. I don't find it funy to stare at the phone wasting time on catching some java code.

[@TheZarkoc]

Pokemon Go the best fitness app ever invented, and news are useless and psychologically damaging.

[@AshtonCoolman]

Pokémon Go. A new way for billions of man hours to be wasted.

[@360.Tapestry]

yeah. but then they'll measure it and use a word like "quantifiable" and then people will start to feel productive because it's already what they want to believe.

[@ar_xiv]

at least they're outside walking and such

[@duncansiror5033]

+Pocari Suit that is a point I guess

[@1greenMitsi]

just because you havent caught yourself a 'rare' pokemon..

[@360.Tapestry]

saaaave marrrrtha. people need to be tricked into going outside. that's fuckin' great lol

[@sachiperez]

If you do this, you are going to flourish! Maybe not publicly, but your life will improve. I took that step about 8-10 years ago (it was gradual). Stop watching ads NOW!!!! And the news so rarely affects my life in ways that I can do something about; news is usually not worth watching. My mom knows to tell me if a hurricane is coming. This disconnect you are considering/doing will free up soooooooo much time and mental processing power that you can take whatever talents/passions you have and develop and expand them, enjoy them and eventually share them (if you wish). People around you might not like the new you as much.... who cares...... they have their lives; you have yours.... Always be honest with yourself and do your best to be honest with those that can accept your honesty or have asked for it..... Yeah, freaking ramble...... Take that!!!!!!!

[@sachiperez]

... oh, and not that you should care what I think, but your videos are amazing!!!!

[@bcfuerst]

Yet here you are commenting on some random youtube video.

[@jcena3270]

I have been avoiding the mainstream media (both 4th and 5th estate variants). This has freed me up to read up on Aristotle, Lovecraft, Dawkins, Tolstoy and other various great authors. I've also watched plenty of videos pertaining to philosophical and methodological naturalism (Gary Edwards is very insightful, even if I disagree with him significantly). I also shitpost a plenty, as you can't be in srs business mode all the time; you'll burnout. The internet is a great tool; it's unfortunate that corporate interests and cronyism are poisoning it.

[@JordanBoyer69]

This is a HIGHLY respectable outlook, and I want to thank you very much. You're legitimately arguing a point that could potentially have a negative impact on you, but obviously you hold the value of helping others above your own gain. We need people like you to help this crazy world.

[@D0wnshift]

I got some mad anxiety. Dead time is the devil's playground for my brain. I need my news, pokemon, and family visits to keep me sane.

[@BrennanLetkeman]

I've been there. It's sort of a hump to get over, where that silence and introspection is overwhelming and hard, but as you let yourself dive into those things and mull over them you start to solve them rather than covering them up with distraction band-aids.

[@themandalorian7352]

You need help.

[@Martin-ys4sr]

That statement is as useless as "I'll pray for you"

[@Yous0147]

Down-time for someone who is in your situation, with anxiety, is like abstaining and getting abstinances for someone who's alcoholic. Down-time is very good for you, in fact it's the remedy to your situation most likely, as thinking thingds through sincerely will make your mind set into place. It's kinda like having to sort óut a house that hasn't been cleaned and pruned for a good while. If you can't sort the whole house in one day that's fine, but sort a bit at a time, i.e. have some down-time to think through your good things and bad things, angels and demons, and your brain might become easier to deal with in the future. Thinking is the remedy

[@ammer1010]

have you tried inner peace?

[@-grey]

This is what I was talking about in a lesson this week. I'm so happy I can tell my students to watch this for some examples of the ideas talked about.

[@TomLFCHeaven]

Fantastic video & great idea, I agree & will try it out myself! :)

[@jelmervanlenteren773]

Haven't been either reading any news or watching television for over ten years now and look at me: I'm able to breathe, live and even watch this video! You're the good news, man. Cheers!

[@TehDeLiiCe]

Have you been watching CGP Grey And Brady's podcasts??

[@TehDeLiiCe]

***** Oh yeah, should have thaught of it

[@13arnaut13]

listening my friend, to sound one listens.

[@drewfro666]

He's Dirk from Vertistablium, of course he watches their podcast.

[@fisheatsyourhead]

www.hellointernet.fm/archive/ You have 66 episodes to catch up on.

[@Rackergen]

hellointernet.fm

[@karifoo]

i have read once about a concept called "popcorn brain" where there is so much stimulation due to the volume of information availiable online that regular activities seem boring to our brain, so we seek more of that stimulation and information that you mentioned to avoid that boredome

[@aBigBadWolf]

Hey Derek, this is where I live! Any possibility of a short meet up?

[@johannesholm1989]

that is the definition of a cringey comment

[@Epicarism]

+Jpkholm Yay if I lived anywhere near Dirk I would beg to meet him so

[@philippwilkendorf]

echt? wie heißt die Stadt denn?

[@ElementBlazeT]

He ain't no Red Riding Hood.

[@RandomNullpointer]

sadly he's on a low information diet. he wont be reading too much comments any more :(

[@adrienplg]

This is exactly what I have been thinking about for a while. To stop looking at my phone on an "empty moment" and just contemplate. Take the time to look around and to try and feel closer to the people around me.

[@axelasdf]

You were allowed to leave mid-exam?

[@FriendlyRivals]

I thought the same thing lol. Wish I could leave during the exam haha.

[@derek]

seriously - you gotta go, you gotta go! Exams are three hours long and I think they elevated my blood pressure

[@FriendlyRivals]

+2veritasium I wish everyone understood the phrase "You gotta go, You gotta go" especially when taking a long exam. By the way keep up the great videos. Love all of the videos you post (on this channel and your main one). The way you present the facts and tell us about the material is just perfect.

[@Pshaurk]

I think it might have been before smartphone and devices were common lol

[@DarcyWhyte]

I say don't just reduce. Remove specifically junk info. Just like getting rid of junk food.

[@ThePrinceOfLies80]

this really struck a chord with me. I've now come to a point in my career where I have too much free time that I don't even know what to do with it. thanks for sharing

[@KilgoreTroutAsf]

The parallel of information with food is quite well suited and goes beyond that initial point. People don't become obese just because abundance of food. The body has self-regulatory mechanisms that will make you feel satisfied after a meal. People become obese because fast food is filled with empty calories and no essential nutrients, so ultimately you are not satisfied. The kind of news we are constantly bombarded with is the information equivalent of fast food. Very little information content and very superficial analysis, which leave you craving for more. I can assure you that an in-depth analysis of politics, economics, etc. by someone who knows their shit will actually leave you thinking for a while, not hungry for the next thing.

[@dailylegend]

This makes so much sense... often times I find myself googling the comprehensive answers or stories to incomplete or poorly written articles

[@seren3650]

You wrote 'pray' in the description instead of 'prey'. Don't worry, I still love you :)

[@MaidaA22589]

Aha I was going to point that out as well :) Derek, you're still amazing!

[@DREMajed]

Wow, what a creep

[@derek]

thanks for having my back!

[@rastykatze]

I am doing this since some time now. Things that are important, get the way to you anyway. Everything else doesn't change my live a single bit. Instead its often just bringing me down. I feel a lot better without news reports and scrolling throught news. I disabled all news services on my phone and facebook notifications just some weeks ago after i recognized it just used up too much time that I could use elsewhere. So absolutely thumbs up. People are too scared to spend time thinking about themselves or even nothing.

[@HenryWiygul]

I completely agree that mindlessly going through our phones during our free time isn't the best use of that time. However, I disagree on your thoughts that it is not important to know about events happening around us. Sure, we may not be able to do anything about a coup in Turkey, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't understand what is going on in the world. And I'm not saying this because it is our "duty as citizens of the world" to be knowledgeable about current events, but because knowing what is happening in the world around us expands our knowledge base that can be funneled into our creations. Saying that knowing about current events isn't important is like saying learning about history isn't important. Great video with insightful commentary that I mostly agree with.

[@richardgates7479]

I think it's not about knowing what's going on around the world, but actually obsessing about it. You should make the best use of your time for the things that help you the most. People spend too much time obsessing about things that don't matter in their lives. Perhaps this is what he was really trying to say.

[@HenryWiygul]

+Richard Gates Ah, I hear what you're saying. Okay if that's what he was trying to say, I understand what he's getting at.

[@HenryWiygul]

+Richard Gates Ah, I hear what you're saying. Okay if that's what he was trying to say, I understand what he's getting at.

[@richardgates7479]

Henry Wiygul Once in awhile I have to take a month break from KZbin, just to digest all the information I've acquired.

[@MrJohnboyofsj]

I agree, especially him being a youtuber with such a large audience which he could help people through.

[@ofeenee]

As weird as it is, and it may not be much, but I would like to offer you my friendship; seriously. I enjoyed this video so much that I felt like taking part in the conversation and that lovely early walk you were having in Zurich. Thanks for sharing.

[@Jimpopal]

You are the older brother that we all needed but didn't have. Thank you for creating these videos

[@RemiStardust]

Because of your great video here, I've decided it's time to remove my NEWS bookmark folder to a harder to reach subfolder. I'm sure this will save me from at least 30 min a week of unproductive news checking. Thank you!

[@ZeroKelvin]

That washroom anecdote is a good example of utilizing your diffuse mode of thinking after a bout of focused thinking. It's also what I used to do for exams fully unintentionally.

[@Dufflot]

I've started just focusing on my breath, or paying attention to my surroundings during my dead time. A way to calm my mind rather than keep it running during these pauses. It feels great being with myself for once rather than trying to constantly distract myself with entertainment or constant thinking.

[@shlegoman8]

Why was this on my recommended?? I'm not subscribed!

[@derek]

Maybe so you could try it out! If you were subscribed it would have been in your subscription feed!

[@hotdrippyglass]

Perhaps something else you watched had a similar value according to the youtube recommending algorithms.

[@neutronstar6739]

because it's how youtube recommended work..it suggest videos that you might have interest in depending on what you watch from the past.

[@davidvincent1932]

Mindfulness and letting your brain wonder is a common theme to success and mental health (1) Veritasium's other video, "Why Boredom is Good For You" (2) New York Times "Washing Dishes Is a Really Great Stress Reliever, Science Says" I've started to practice this myself and have found myself just more happy in general, I think it is good. I just started cutting things out here and there instead of all at once, basically when I realize I'm spending time on something I'm not enjoying I just try to switch to either doing nothing or something I do enjoy

[@johnmanderson2060]

You are so right Derek, i was coming to exact same conclusion for myself, thanks for the kick-off to be less distracted and more productive. You rock!

[@caledoniatardivo8537]

I don't think I'll ever forget this message! Brilliant, I forget about the importance and emphasis put on the news.

[@AFlagRules]

First I will start waking up at 5:30

[@karapapaxatzidimitrakopoulos]

XD I see what you did there XD

[@sanferrera]

hehe...i dont know if he did that on purpose or not, but I really enjoyed your observation.

[@PJoriginal]

I sleep at 5:30 :(

[@narutorandomness457]

+Κώστας Καραπαπαχατζηδιμιτρακόπουλος what did he do there can you inform me? I actually can't see it

[@karapapaxatzidimitrakopoulos]

+Sean Jamali After hearing what Derek said , Gustavo Sureda said : "First I will start waking up at 5 : 30 " But if you take a closer look , 5:30 in the video is as empty as 5 and a half in the morning XD Which begs the question. What was Veritasium doing at 5 in the morning in this empty store ? xD

[@TKnightcrawler]

I agree. Sometimes it is good to not hear any news, or even listen to music. Your mind really can wander, and that can be a good thing.

[@jameilious]

Only a minute in... I've been addicted to the news in the exact same way for a couple of years! resonates so much with me

[@fahloi]

As a person living in Switzerland, I can tell that your pronunciation of "Wasservögel" was actually quite good. But if you manage it to pronounce the "v" like an "f" in english, it would sound almost perfect imho.

[@sufiomargasanov3952]

what the city is it? I want to go there)

[@OleksandrRabinovych]

The words that I loved the most in this video are "Our brains are designed..."

[@rickfinn4834]

Thank YOU. I share the same problem but thought I was unique. My productivity has plummeted over the last 7 months as I'm consumed by news - and I hate almost all of what I see, regardless of it'sl bent. I chastised myself daily for my overconsumption and waste of time - thank you for putting it in perspective so I can now get back to real life!

[@AaronParkerFTW]

Very good points, and I think I'll make an effort to follow your advice. I'd also like to point out that setting aside some time to inform yourself and deliberately research a topic is much different than simply filling that "dead time" while you're waiting in line or whatever. What bothers me is that compulsive feeling, where I catch myself reaching into my pocket for the phone without even thinking. That's what I would like to cut back on.

[@l3lackoutsMedia]

even though watching youtube videos is filling up dead time it isnt for me because i know you make great informative videos about important aspects of life, which are in fact mindblowing and very entertaining

[@wayintowilderness]

I agree it is important to let your mind rest from taking in news, and other digitally served information. This is a component of walking, hiking, running, skiing, etc that let's that part of the mind rest and wander while connecting with the body in physical activity. Put yourself in a beautiful natural setting and you create even more opportunity for insights to bubble up but also for inspiration and restoration.

[@andrewcrawshaw334]

being bored is honestly brilliant

[@JuanCarlosRoberto]

We are connected my man, I just thought the same thing 3 days ago, and it made me more productive and clear minded. I think distractions is like the matrix, it is not only facebook, twitter, news, internet, is since tv, radio, newspapers, etc. I don't wanna say it is a conspiracy, but it seems like that. And the boredom... here is the challenge, the wake up call, to find what is behind it ;) greetings from Colombia

[@LordSwordbreak]

I couldn't agree with you more! The "bored time" is extremely important, I think. It's when our mind is relieved of input that we start the output instead!

[@brguddonji]

3 years ago i went completely off reading news and watching tv (in a mode that it determines my schedule). I upgraded my relationship with God, changed my life goals, looked at things from a different angle. Now i choose what will i watch, when and for how long. And if i wanna see if there is flood in Australia or did my team win last nights game i go to sites that provide information and not some peoples objective opinion. I did not become more productive since my job is not that of kind but if it was i think i would have been. You have my blessing to go on a information diet :))

[@jrherita]

I appreciate the video. Back in the late 80s when I was becoming a teenager, a friend and I made a decision to just not watch TV. It freed up a ton of time to do things, as well as allowed us to see 'other parts of the world' better. The original main idea behind this was not to be influenced by TV, but later this helped me to learn things that developed into a career. Perhaps time to revisit this philosophy with the internet for myself as well.

[@AronNeagu]

I wholeheartidly applaud your initiative. Information overload is a real problem in my life and i feel the cheap entartainment provided by internet is distracting me from the real life. Well done.

[@zetacon4]

Thank you for the lovely view of the riverside and excellent architect. I have never been to Zurich and you did a nice job of letting me see a bit of it. What a beautiful city. Thanks.

[@KennethBouman]

I like how there's a lot more "I think" in these videos than in the regular Veritasia presentations.

[@moshimeow64]

Gosh Derek everything you produce is so thought provocative. Thank you for the work you do here.

[@Pisika]

What I'd like to add to the discussion is that consuming all this information, it may be allowing the information sources to think for us. So I agree, we really should set aside time to let our mind wander based on information we have gained, that's where we can grow. But if were always taking in information, we never have time to just think.

[@davidlin529]

Thank you for addressing this very important topic that we often overlook in this digital media generation. When technology makes things more convenient and saves us a lot of time, it seems that people nowadays are becoming more and more busy, while complaining how little time they have. Weakened social interaction skills, longer life span but less healthy life style are the problems , while, ironically, technology is designed to eliminate them. The way that people nowadays deal with excessive information is just mindlessly taking in all of it, without digesting to discern the truth from false or skewed info, or “skimming the fat" to take what's useful and valuable. I like that you put thoughts and effort into making this video to educate the audience, or at least remind them to find a balance in time allocation, information, and technology. Although this video probably won't get views and likes as many as videos about celebrity, cats and dogs, funny wtf moments, politics, etc., you truly makes this topic standout and makes a difference in the audience who watched this video. Truly appreciate it!

[@zeddash]

I watched this while playing a game so I don't go below a threshold of boredom between videos.

[@starswater]

"Dead Time", huh? I like it. I like that name for it. I have a lot of this dead time as you've far more appropriately named it, and I have been known amongst my friends to actually quite regularly take breaks from the computer or the internet to spend this dead time just thinking about things. It's actually become an intentional practice of mine, because it helps me in a sense to not lose myself amongst all of the hustle and bustle.

[@sekaiology]

Watching this really made me feel like I was walking next to you, listening to this interesting theory which I completely agree with. Thanks!

[@yeahyeah9495]

The essential problem is that addiction is a consequence of decision failures that lead to preference for the addictive behaviors. Impulsive people have a compulsion for immediate gratification. And in today's world, when you can have instant access to whatever you like, doing what is right has become increasingly difficult. The solution? Whatever you're doing (studying, work etc), make your goals extremely short and attainable. E.g.- Make a goal of reading 1 page at that moment, then finish that page. Then keep going. This is kind of like instant gratification but focuses on the things that matter. Another thing to do- hold your self accountable to someone else. Have them babysit you if needed/possible. After a while, you'll be holding yourself accountable!

[@marionn.7351]

I think I get what you meant, but could you explain exactly what you mean by babysit? And I know you don't mean the typical version of babysitting.

[@yeahyeah9495]

Let's assume you're in school. You haven't been productive at all and the internet has been taking away all your time. You have zero self-control, which isn't always your fault! (why would you when the next video is seconds away) It's kind of like getting addicted to a drug (dopamine release, which requires higher and higher stimulus if you continually do that activity) What I mean by babysitting here is that you should have someone around you to keep you in check while you're working. They should make sure that you reach your daily goals/target. This person can be anyone close to you (mom, dad, friend) and is willing to let you know when and where getting off track. You can even keep each other in line. Now this isn't possible for everyone. But if it is for you, try it out. To form a habit requires 21 consecutive days. After some time, you won't need it and you will be accomplishing things on your own!

[@SkyDomeVIZE]

Thanks for shearing your philosophical views about matters of life. These vlogs can truly help people become aware of their surrounding and how it many influence one's outcome. Great Job. seriously

[@the_wolfs_den]

just stumbled on this video ... and ... i was there man...right where you walk when shooting this.. is'n it something like when you recognize places where you have been or lived when they are showed online or on tv...news etc.. :) by the way... i have same issue with checking the news

[@sufiomargasanov3952]

where is it? Jan, I want to go there

[@jamesn7173]

You make an excellent point. For almost 12 months now I have intentionally avoided reading or watching the news. I found that the majority of the news sources reported on news that was nonsense; stories of people losing their dog or depressing; suicide bombers killing many people. I have been better for it. Giving it a name is like 'low information diet' is a nice way to put it but news is only one source of 'information'. I am not avoiding information, just avoiding receiving news from sources that are often horribly biased and in most cases outdated. Keep up the great videos!

[@50kT]

Been thinking about this also this past week. Turning my energy and free time toward pursuits that can eventually potentially push mankind forward in technology instead of doing things that just entertain me.

[@dbpooper7512]

I stopped checking the news about a year and a half ago, mainly as a means of managing my stress level. It's helped. And it is true that if anything truly noteworthy happens, you'll hear about it anyway.

[@Maxander2001]

I avoid "news" and try to consume quality information that expands my mind. Study, contemplate, and develop. MOOCs instead of fear mongering and low quality entertainment. Stopped using social media last september, and feel great about it. PS. Veritasium, Vsauce1, All Brady Haran's science related channels, Mathologer, and some other KZbin channels I do consider high quality. You guys beat anything they send on classic TV, as far as I can tell. Keep up the good work, stay away from distractions. :)

[@brod2man]

I went on a short trip recently for 4 days. I didn't bring my laptop and I don't have the habit of using my phone like a computer, so I was totally out of touch with news/youtube/facebook/email. After 4 days of walking around/chatting with friends/sitting to look at mountains and lakes/people watching/reading a book/writing my diary, I then returned home and after washing my clothes immediately turned on my computer and started bookmarking all the youtube videos I had missed while I was away. It took me a couple DAYS to catch up on those videos and really I got absolutely nothing out of them. I don't even know why I bother watching a lot of stuff on youtube, usually I barely pay attention or just forget the information seconds later. I'd kind of much prefer the life I had while I was travelling. Getting back to my hotel was only for showering and sleeping. Not to sit down for 3-4 hours browsing the internet before bed. Even if I wasn't achieving anything while on my trip, it still felt a little bit more meaningful. That's not to say that youtube is totally useless, it's actually a fucking great resource but I think when you overuse it then it starts to negate it's own effects. Information and entertainment overload. If anything I think people should learn not to look at their phones when they are with friends or have a moment to themselves, that's the real life-thief. I've never had Facebook on my phone and never read the news on it either since I used to have a very slow phone. I'm the only one in my friend group who won't pull out their phone at a cafe or restaurant. I literally just sit there watching some friends scrolling through stuff for no reason. Really breaks up the flow of things. Wow I'm still typing. TIEM TO GO OUTSIDE

[@will_28_64]

As much as I think brains need time to have time off, information to fill dead time keeps the brain ticking over in my opinion, it keeps you sharp throughout the day and productive, whenever I have a free period in school I am in no way near as productive as when I'm In a lesson, moreover it demotivates me for my next lesson, keeping yourself sharp in the middle of the day I think is a better way than being bored in free Tim

[@snolahc]

Hello boy, thanks for all your videos, you're one of my best american youtubers, and yes also with CGP Grey :) I gave up television years ago, and i'm now completly out of information since a few months, out of my country's politics and macroeconomics news after years drawn in it (political fights). What a liberation, what a mental break ! You know that important news are being reported by your friends and random people, so i don't really miss important information. But i don't feel so concerned anymore about it, i tried to be involved in these subjects, but in vain and without any real impact. You are right when saying we try to be as much productive as possible and we're having our consciousness working to make every minute useful for us. But it's a quantitative strategy which doesn't work for long, or for good. During the time i used to distract myself in "useful in my local opinion but really pointless" activities, i now try to empty my mind. To make the voice of my consciousness shut up and be directly connected to my senses and feelings, without interpretation or anticipation. You can't imagine how difficult this task is, freeing your consciousness from your volonty illusion. Doing that, i realised that what mattered for me didn't really have an impact on my life, and i feel i can have a new point of view on my true responsibilities in my family, my planet, my wonderful pointless universe. What a liberation :) Let's go for a silent walk together.

[@Floigenkaspar]

I wonder if youtube recommended this particular video to me, because I'm a CGPGrey and Numberphile viewer, or because I live in Zürich. The ways of google are so mysterious.

[@AerFixus]

Speaking of distraction, I started watching this video 4 hours ago. Only now have I made it back after my clicking excursion...

[@electriccerix]

Scientists don't actually know why insects are drawn to light since there is no common trait among them; some hunt using infrared to find heat, others are migratory but don't use the moon for navigation, some might interpret light as a clearing in the forest, etc.

[@jonesyak]

I dont descrie myself as an intelligent person, but most of the videos on this channel relly speak to me. Its really weird and I'm very appreciative that I found this channel.

[@IlicSorrentino]

Quite debatable arguments, difficult to express a final judgement; I suggest to remember that boredom is essential to learn and I think is possible to do a comparison... really interesting, thanks from Italy!

[@GTTalera]

I feel like you spoke to me. I hope you succeed getting rid of this addiction.

[@kaaaashock]

I needed this. Thank you, and goodbye for a while.

[@placeb0fication]

You phrased this so perfectly. I have reflected that I am over consuming information in an addictive manner and it has been counter productive. Feeling motivated to do something about it.

[@DudeWhoSaysDeez]

Living here in the U.S., I have become mentally exhausted by the 24 hour news cycle. There is now "breaking news" all the time and there is no way to keep up.

[@ducodarling]

Your two cents are worth a fortune. You just earned yourself a subscriber!

[@finsterwalder]

To me it's really a question of the right balance. Too much information can be harmfull, but too little information can be harmfull as well. You need some time for you mind to wander, so filling every free minute with information gathering is bad for you. But you also need new input for your mind and I think even some distraction and plain fun stuff is good for you. So choose wisely what and how much you consume.

[@rhythmandacoustics]

Watching this while high and eating a tube of icecream. Neer felt high since 2 years. Your introspection in shared.

[@HummusPvm]

I realized this two months ago exactly (2 of June) so I put my phone away for 7 days. The First and the second day were horrible. The third day, but somehow, subconsciously I went from hating reading books more than anything, to finding myself reading. First 2-3 days, I couldn't read more than 15-25 lines. Then it got to 50. I read about 30-50 pages a day for 6 weeks. Then went on a trip to Canada, for two weeks. I found myself enduring 100 pages pretty well, not getting too tiered. Which was huge progress. Not to mention how much fast and how much more information I would pick up from each page. I realized that I could literally speak in a clearer manner, so even I got my points across to others as well as to myself clearer. My personality literally grew. On the flight back (which was anticipated to be 9 hours) I picked a challenge of trying to reading a full book on the flight. The first 3 hours were great. I read fast. But then the decline hit me. At the 5h mark I was reading

[@HummusPvm]

Really slow. Sometimes I even found myself having to read each sentence 2-3 times before understanding them. (This happened the first 3 days when I only endured 15-25 lines). By the time I hit the 6 hour mark, I was making sure to pick up as much info as possible, regardless of the speed I was reading at. After all, there's no point in reading a book if you don't pick anything up from it. Anyways. I read to the end of the 9hour mark, soon to be in Amsterdam catching My next flight to Sweden. I had something to eat and I was "boosted" again. I read for another hour at default speed, but then i found myself crashing hard and eventually I fell asleep on the plane home.

[@HummusPvm]

What I'm trying to say is, the brain has so much power people don't harvest. I've been sleeping better, dreaming more, sleeping less (like I feel more energetic, perhaps from the accomplishment sense I receive each time I finish a book). I feel like 5h sleep is way more than enough (I used to sleep at least 9, to 11 hours). This is literally my first day "chilling", taking in some extra information calories. I'm also a lot more satisfied in life and prominent towards challenges in a real way. This bad diet really destroys people's minds. No wonder why there's so much depression. any ways. Good to hear that you realized it:)

[@elimalinsky7069]

I remember a time when the most technologically advanced thing you could do on a cellphone is play Snake on a monochrome display.

[@agivogue]

I agree, sometimes it's difficult to stay focus on your goals when there are so many distractions available.

[@ince55ant]

I remember reading how we need mental rest time to just think over things, old and new information you have. I think it was taking the stance that with smartphones we avoid this too much and it affects how well we can retain information. This sound familiar to anyone?

[@Egoblivion]

Alcohol and sports have always been major players in the distraction economy. Cool video, you're right about everything. Who else found this video while "casually surfing?"

[@DancingStringsGuitar]

Great video, Derek. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts and then thinking that I wondered about the same thing and still sometimes do. So, I will see how long I can go with the low information diet. Thanks, also, for the beautiful background scenery and the lovely market display. :)

[@lauriedepaurie]

I must say, as a person that's easily distracted and bored (ADD) I've noticed that a lot of people consider this 'relaxing' while I notice it makes it harder for me to concentrate on important things. I know the therapeutic value of meditation is highly debateable at best, but I think a relaxed mind causes toilet/shower/bed-epiphanies. It's effective for me at those couple minute pockets of spare time.