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06 Jul 2026
1h 5m

Should I Turn Off the Internet? (Lessons From a Family That Did) | Monday Advice

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Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Intentional living requires creating physical and temporal boundaries against the constant, distracting pull of modern digital connectivity. Chris Moody, a former CNN political correspondent, demonstrates this by living in a remote Appalachian cabin without internet access or cell service. This lifestyle shift, born from a desire to escape the frenetic pace of digital consumption, forces a return to 20th-century systems, such as using landlines and physical media, which fosters deeper focus and stronger family bonds. By removing frictionless access to endless content, individuals gain the time and mental clarity to define their own values. This approach, while demanding, allows for a more deliberate engagement with culture and community, proving that disconnecting from the digital firehose is a viable, albeit challenging, path toward a more meaningful and present life.

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