The Death of the Newsfeed and Upgrading 5400 Years Old Tech: Tools for Better Reading

The Death of the Newsfeed and Upgrading 5400 Years Old Tech: Tools for Better Reading

In a world where information overload is becoming the norm, it's no surprise that the concept of the newsfeed is slowly dying. Benedict Evans, in his thought-provoking article, "The Death of the Newsfeed," explores the reasons behind this shift. He introduces Dunbar's number, which suggests that we can only truly know a few hundred people well enough to be friends with them on Facebook. Combine this with "Zuckerberg's law," the idea that we share more and more on social media over time, and you have a recipe for overload.

The asymmetric nature of the newsfeed has made posting frequently acceptable. Since we're not explicitly sending our posts to someone but rather sharing them on our feed, there is a sense that it's okay to post lots and even share less important things. However, this constant sharing creates a tragedy of the commons situation. We're supposed to post things, but by doing so, we overload each other's feeds.

This overload leads to a constant need for change. People's desires change, and they get bored of seeing the same things. As a result, platforms like Facebook have to constantly adjust their algorithms to reflect these shifting preferences. In contrast, Google shows us exactly what we want because we explicitly tell it what we're looking for. This difference in approach raises questions about what should and shouldn't be shown in a newsfeed and who gets to decide.

On another note, the article "Upgrading 5400 Years Old Tech: Tools for Better Reading" highlights the importance of reading as the most efficient way to absorb information. It's astonishing to think that reading, invented 5400 years ago, has remained relatively unchanged. The average person reads at a speed of 250 words per minute (wpm), a pace that has barely improved over time.

To enhance our reading experience, Mortimer Adler, in his book "How to Read a Book," introduces different reading techniques. These techniques include inspectional reading, analytical reading, and synoptical reading. Each method offers a unique approach to comprehending and engaging with written material.

In the age of social media, the concept of social reading has emerged as a way to enhance the reading experience. Social reading plugins, such as Glasp curators, act as filters to help us discover relevant and valuable content. These plugins leverage the power of our social networks to recommend articles and books that align with our interests and preferences.

The social reading trend is just getting started, and it's clear that it's here to stay. By combining the power of technology and the wisdom of our networks, we can upgrade our reading experience and make the most of the vast amount of information available to us.

In conclusion, the death of the newsfeed and the need to upgrade our reading experience are interconnected. As we navigate through the overwhelming sea of information, it's essential to find a balance between what we want to see and what our friends and networks want us to see. To make the most of our reading, we should explore different reading techniques and embrace social reading plugins. By doing so, we can enhance our understanding, discover new perspectives, and make reading a more enjoyable and enriching experience.

Actionable Advice:

1. Take the time to explore different reading techniques like inspectional, analytical, and synoptical reading. Each method offers a unique approach to engage with written material and can enhance your understanding.
2. Embrace social reading plugins like Glasp curators to leverage the power of your social network. These tools can recommend articles and books that align with your interests and preferences, saving you time and helping you discover valuable content.
3. Find a balance between what you want to see and what your friends and networks want you to see. Reflect on the content you consume and consider diversifying your sources to gain different perspectives and insights.

Remember, the world of information is vast, and it's up to us to navigate it wisely. By staying mindful of our reading habits and embracing new tools and techniques, we can make the most of the information available to us and continue to grow intellectually and personally.