Consciously concentrating on a given task is obviously leading to better external outcomes than just going through the motions – this piece is not about that. Addictions are obviously detrimental to a person’s life in many ways, it’s also not about that.
Agree with all that. Rather than gamify education, make it explicit that there is reward and compound interest in the slower and more labour intensive work. That a slower, more patient and deeper gain is better that the short, sharp and shallow intensity of instant gratification.
What an excellent post Felix, it really touched upon something which has alluded me in description for some time. All around me, for seemingly as long as I can remember, I see people get stuck working a 9-5 job they feel no connection to and then go home afterwords to play video games or nod off after consuming their drug of choice. They say they're unhappy, and it’s not surprising. People are so detached from ‘living’, substituting leisure with useless pleasure, and meaning with pointless, “tedious” work which, as you pointed out, they do mindlessly.
A really comprehensive piece with lots of interesting points to stimulate further questions and study.
In terms of education, I wonder if trying to create tasks that trigger the dopamine hit to mirror how they engage online, is the way things need to evolve. And if it is, is it ethical?
Another interesting point was the 6-8 repetitions. You mention this in relation to exercise but is is also applicable to 'heavy lifting' in a cognitive sense? I might experiment with it
Agree with all that. Rather than gamify education, make it explicit that there is reward and compound interest in the slower and more labour intensive work. That a slower, more patient and deeper gain is better that the short, sharp and shallow intensity of instant gratification.
What an excellent post Felix, it really touched upon something which has alluded me in description for some time. All around me, for seemingly as long as I can remember, I see people get stuck working a 9-5 job they feel no connection to and then go home afterwords to play video games or nod off after consuming their drug of choice. They say they're unhappy, and it’s not surprising. People are so detached from ‘living’, substituting leisure with useless pleasure, and meaning with pointless, “tedious” work which, as you pointed out, they do mindlessly.
Thanks Felix, looking forward to the next post!
Thanks for helping me consider this
A really comprehensive piece with lots of interesting points to stimulate further questions and study.
In terms of education, I wonder if trying to create tasks that trigger the dopamine hit to mirror how they engage online, is the way things need to evolve. And if it is, is it ethical?
Another interesting point was the 6-8 repetitions. You mention this in relation to exercise but is is also applicable to 'heavy lifting' in a cognitive sense? I might experiment with it
I love this topic - you treat it well. Look forward to more.