Chapter 1: The Information Diet

Overwhelmed by information? It might be time to reassess your online consumption habits.

"Consume food wisely. Moderation is key. Focus on plants."

—Michael Pollan, In Defense of Food

There can indeed be too much of a good thing. Human behavior tends to become erratic when we are inundated with excess—be it money, power, choice, or leisure time. When a once-scarce resource becomes abundant, our relationship with it shifts dramatically, and we often struggle to adapt.

Consider food. Historically, it was a limited resource; today, however, it is plentiful in many regions, particularly in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. As a result, food expenses comprise a minor portion of household budgets, allowing people to eat whenever they want. Unfortunately, this abundance often comes with low-quality options. The consequences are stark: sugar-related deaths outnumber those from violence, obesity rates surpass hunger, and our agricultural systems are increasingly jeopardizing the very conditions necessary for human survival.

A similar transformation has occurred in our relationship with information. Once a rare commodity, information is now everywhere—accessible at the click of a button. I was born in 1983, and I remember the thrill of learning to read. I devoured everything around me, from cereal box labels to street signs, driven by an insatiable curiosity. Fast forward to 2019, and the sheer volume of content available through various devices and platforms has made the idea of running out laughable.

As the digital revolution unfolded, we have experienced a kind of 'information whiplash.' The sociologist Hartmut Rosa notes that human mobility has increased a hundredfold, communication by ten million, and the transmission of information by ten billion since pre-modern times. We now have access to an unimaginable amount of data—Yahoo holds the historical financial records of every public company in the U.S., a stark contrast to just twenty years ago when such information had to be requested by mail. Twitter, less than 5,000 days old, generates over 200 billion tweets annually.

This unprecedented access has altered how we engage with information. When it was limited, information held the power to drive action. In today’s landscape, where it is lightweight and abundant, we often act on less of it. As the ratio of action to incoming information approaches zero, the immediate gratification of consuming information begins to resemble entertainment. Much of what we encounter now is akin to junk food—designed to be addictive, providing a fleeting sense of satisfaction but lacking in substantive value.

With more than half of Australians obtaining news through social media and 68% of Americans relying on platforms like Twitter and television, we find ourselves in an attention-driven economy that favors sensationalism. This has led to the phenomenon of “if it bleeds, it leads,” where the most shocking or unusual stories dominate the headlines.

As Steve Salerno puts it, the nightly news often presents a distorted view of reality, offering a negative reflection of the world rather than an accurate representation. A Russian news site, City Reporter, once attempted a day of only positive news stories, only to find that their readership plummeted by two-thirds. The public’s preference for sensational news reinforces a media landscape that prioritizes shock over substance.

The effects of consuming junk information are profound. Reputable media outlets have been shown to contribute to heightened anxiety, sleep disturbances, and even PTSD symptoms through their focus on distressing content. For instance, just a few minutes of negative news can increase the likelihood of individuals reporting a bad day by 27%. In an effort to promote better health, Life Time Fitness has even banned news broadcasts from their gyms.

Moreover, the addiction to news can lead to lasting changes in our brains. As we continuously seek updates on various stories, we inadvertently strengthen neural pathways associated with shallow engagement while neglecting those that foster deep thinking and focus. This shift is why many of us struggle to concentrate on long-form content, often feeling restless after just a few pages of a book.

Many might dismiss this as a mere side effect of aging or busy schedules, but the truth is that digital media reshapes our brain's physical structure.

Michael Pollan aptly notes, "Occasional indulgence in sweets and fast foods is acceptable, but the ease with which we now access these once-rare treats has led to their overconsumption."

However, it's crucial to recognize that not all information is detrimental. The concept of a "low-information diet," popularized by figures like Tim Ferriss, suggests eliminating news and social media entirely to boost productivity and simplify life. This notion is misguided; we cannot maintain such restrictions indefinitely. One stray click can lead us back into the vortex of outrage scrolling.

The real danger lies in information isolation. A lack of balanced news consumption can foster misconceptions and ignorance, ultimately harming democratic processes. Nobel Prize-winning economist Amartya Sen noted that famines have never occurred in societies with a free press and democratic governance, highlighting that information scarcity can be just as damaging as food scarcity.

The key takeaway is not to avoid news or social media entirely, but to approach them with moderation. The psychotherapist Susanne Babbel emphasizes that repeated exposure to distressing events can disrupt our body's ability to recover, leading to adrenal fatigue and a host of mental health issues. The challenge lies in the constant consumption of low-quality information, which has become our primary source of engagement.

To improve our situation, I began treating my information consumption as a diet, aiming for a healthier and more diverse intake. The results have been transformative; I feel less stressed, more motivated, and still informed about world events. I haven't completely abandoned the less nutritious content; I still indulge in some guilty pleasures, like late-night social media scrolls.

Inspired by Nicole Wong's vision for a "slow food movement for the internet," I aimed to replace junk information with more wholesome alternatives, akin to incorporating whole grains and vegetables into my diet. Reflecting on the recovery process of athletes, I considered what mental recovery would look like for someone whose work demands cognitive resilience.

Chapter 2: Crafting Your Information Diet

To embark on this journey, you need a guiding philosophy akin to dietary principles. Just as people follow specific diets—be it vegan, paleo, or balanced—your digital life should also be anchored by a central principle. This will allow for flexibility in choosing new sources without losing sight of your overarching goals.

Using Mr. Rogers' wisdom as my compass, I have centered my information diet around scientific discourse. Science serves as our most reliable guide, not as an absolute truth but as a means to navigate the complexities of the world. It empowers us to identify problems and seek solutions, making it a vital component of my information philosophy.

Books serve as the foundation of this diet. They provide deep insights into slow-moving yet impactful global changes, offering a level of analysis that quick news snippets cannot match. Research indicates that reading can significantly reduce stress levels, making books an ideal choice for mental well-being.

Email newsletters represent the essential nutrients of my information diet. Unlike traditional media, their success hinges on quality curation, allowing for a more tailored consumption experience. With a plethora of options available, it's crucial to choose wisely and maintain a manageable selection.

To explore various topics, I recommend starting with a few of my favorite newsletters, ensuring that your inbox remains manageable. Here are just a few to consider:

1. General Interest
   • The Browser: A top-paid newsletter with a rich variety of content.
   • Recomendo: A weekly list of six intriguing items curated by three insightful individuals.
2. Tech & Science
   • Azeem Azhar's Exponential View: Insightful analysis of technology's impact on society.
   • Undark: A well-rounded science publication with a balanced approach to reporting.
3. Health & Wellness
   • STAT: Offers high-quality health journalism and essential updates.
4. Podcasts and Reddit
   • Podcasts: A valuable medium for high-quality information, complementing other sources.
   • Reddit: A diverse platform for engaging with various communities and accessing a wealth of knowledge.
5. Specialist Publications
   • Explore niche sites focused on your interests, whether in science, technology, or general knowledge.

In navigating social media, treat platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter with caution. While they can serve as useful tools, the overwhelming content often leads to distraction and negativity. Implementing blockers or utilizing specific features can help limit exposure to the more toxic elements.

Ultimately, your information diet is a personal endeavor that will evolve over time. By establishing a philosophy, identifying your preferred food groups, and avoiding junk information, you can cultivate a healthier relationship with the digital world.

Good luck on your journey, and feel free to reach out at [email protected] to share your experiences!