The Secret Power of ‘Read It Later’ Apps: Increasing Consumption and Better Filtering

The Secret Power of ‘Read It Later’ Apps: Increasing Consumption and Better Filtering

In today's fast-paced world, the ability to sit quietly and direct focused attention for sustained periods of time is becoming a valuable skill. With the increasing scarcity of this capability, reading has become a source of competitive advantage. Reading allows us to think another person's thoughts, wrapping ourselves in their paradigm and expanding our own perspectives.

One popular tool that aids in this process is the 'Read It Later' app. These apps, such as Pocket, provide a means to save articles, blog posts, and other long-form content for later consumption. They offer a solution to the problem of cognitive dissonance that arises from the fear of not being able to finish a lengthy piece of writing. By saving articles for later, we can alleviate the pressure of completing them immediately and instead enjoy them at our own pace.

Furthermore, Read It Later apps help increase the consumption of long-form content, which is often more substantive and thought-provoking. In a world saturated with short and shallow information, these apps provide a platform for deep reading and contemplation. By actively choosing to read longer articles, we can delve into complex ideas and gain a deeper understanding of various topics.

One of the key benefits of these apps is their ability to provide better filtering. With the vast amount of information available online, it can be challenging to find high-quality content that aligns with our interests and values. Read It Later apps allow us to curate a collection of articles that we find interesting and relevant. By saving articles to our app of choice, we create a pool of options from which we can make decisions about what to read based on our higher perspective and what truly matters to us.

Additionally, these apps offer features that facilitate the assimilation and building of ideas. By highlighting key passages and exporting them to note-taking apps like Evernote, we can easily organize and access the information that resonates with us. This allows us to learn faster by incorporating the ideas of others and building upon them. Ideas are high-leverage agents, and when arranged in highly cross-referenced networks, they become even more powerful. Read It Later apps enable us to create and access these networks, leveraging the network effect of ideas.

Now that we understand the benefits of Read It Later apps, let's look at how they connect with the insights from Pinterest's Q4 earnings call. Pinterest, with its growing user base and focus on video and shopping, recognizes the importance of inspiring content. Similarly, Read It Later apps provide a platform for users to save and consume inspiring and substantive articles. Both platforms understand the value of capturing users' attention and delivering a rich and engaging experience.

To make the most of Read It Later apps and maximize their benefits, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace long-form content: Challenge yourself to read longer articles and explore complex ideas. By doing so, you'll gain a deeper understanding of various topics and expand your knowledge.

2. Curate your collection: Take advantage of the filtering capabilities of Read It Later apps. Save articles that align with your interests and values, creating a personalized collection of high-quality content.

3. Leverage the power of ideas: Use the highlighting and note-taking features of Read It Later apps to capture and organize key insights. Build upon the ideas of others and create cross-referenced networks to enhance your learning and thinking processes.

In conclusion, Read It Later apps offer a powerful solution to the challenges of information overload and limited attention spans. By embracing long-form content, curating a collection of high-quality articles, and leveraging the power of ideas, we can enhance our reading experience and gain a competitive advantage in today's fast-paced world. So, take a moment to explore the world of Read It Later apps and unlock the secret power of deep reading.