The Secret Power of ‘Read It Later’ Apps: How Millennials Became The Burnout Generation

The Secret Power of ‘Read It Later’ Apps: How Millennials Became The Burnout Generation

Reading is a powerful tool that allows us to dive into someone else's thoughts and gain new perspectives. In today's world, the ability to read and focus for sustained periods of time is becoming increasingly rare and valuable. With the rise of technology and the constant bombardment of information, our attention spans have decreased, making it difficult to consume long-form content.

One study conducted by Google found that increasing the number of search results per page from 10 to 30 only took half a second longer, but caused a 20% drop-off in users. This shows just how easily we can be distracted and lose focus when presented with too much information at once.

The concept of "Read It Later" apps, such as Pocket, has gained popularity as a solution to this problem. These apps allow users to save articles, blog posts, and other long-form content to read at a later time. By doing so, we can create a pool of options to choose from, giving us the ability to make decisions from a higher perspective.

But the benefits of these apps go beyond just increasing consumption of long-form content. They also help us better filter the information we consume. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information, it's important to be able to discern what is valuable and what is not. By saving articles to read later, we can prioritize and focus on the content that truly matters to us.

Furthermore, "Read It Later" apps can also help combat the burnout that many millennials experience. Burnout is a state of exhaustion and constant striving for completion that cannot be attained. It is a result of internalizing the idea that we should be working all the time, a notion that has been reinforced by society since a young age.

Millennials have been raised with a focus on achievement and success, constantly striving for a "good job" that reflects well on their parents and impresses their peers. This pressure to constantly optimize their lives and find work that they are passionate about has led to a state of burnout that is all too common among this generation.

In order to cope with this burnout, millennials have turned to various coping mechanisms, such as posting on social media to create a narrative of their lives. By illustrating a life that is fulfilling and balanced, they are able to convince themselves and others that they are achieving the satisfaction they have been told they should feel.

However, this constant need to present a curated image of their lives adds to the burden of burnout. It turns leisure activities into tasks that need to be completed and adds to the cognitive load that millennials already carry. Self-care, which should be enjoyable and rejuvenating, becomes just another item on a never-ending to-do list.

So how can we combat this burnout and reclaim our lives? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the power of "Read It Later" apps: By utilizing these apps, we can increase our consumption of long-form content and better filter the information we consume. This will allow us to make more informed decisions and focus on what truly matters to us.

2. Challenge societal expectations: It's important to question and challenge the societal expectations that have led to burnout. Recognize that the pressure to constantly work and achieve is not sustainable or fulfilling. Find ways to redefine success and prioritize your own well-being.

3. Practice self-care that works for you: Self-care should not feel like another task on your to-do list. Find activities that truly bring you joy and rejuvenate your mind and body. Whether it's reading a book, going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness, prioritize self-care as an essential part of your daily routine.

In conclusion, the power of "Read It Later" apps goes beyond just increasing our consumption of long-form content. It can help us combat burnout by allowing us to make more informed decisions and filter the information we consume. By challenging societal expectations and prioritizing self-care, we can reclaim our lives and find fulfillment in a world that often feels overwhelming.