or simply clear your viewing history to prevent the algorithm from serving hyper-targeted trending material. 2. Access Friction & Intentional Use
While trending content can be entertaining and engaging, there are also some potential downsides to consider. For one, the constant stream of new and trending content can be overwhelming and exhausting. With the average person consuming hundreds of pieces of content per day, it's easy to feel like we're drowning in a sea of information.
Meaningful insight—the kind found in a deep essay, a rigorous philosophical text, or a silent period of contemplation—often begins with frustration. It requires the brain to sit with a problem, to parse difficult syntax, and to reconcile opposing viewpoints. Entertainment removes this friction. In doing so, it removes the very catalyst required for cognitive growth. The Recovery of Depth
