In today’s post, we’ll take a break from the news cycle and discuss a topic that’s not often discussed: productivity platforms. In the last few decades, software tools have promised to make life easier at work. However, they don’t seem to be making much progress on one crucial dimension – improving our thinking.
For many, note-taking apps were seen as breakthrough tools that could enhance cognition. Features like bidirectional linking in apps like Roam seemed ideal for knowledge-building. However, after dumping lots of time and notes into various apps, the author found this didn’t pan out.
The problem isn’t the software – it’s non-stop internet distractions. Note-taking happens alongside a sea of notifications, messages and tabs. This makes it hard to truly focus and connect ideas. Multi-tasking also leaves our “mental whiteboard” a blurry mess.
While AI could make tools more powerful, it also enables even more distractions. The key is controlling our attention. As one expert notes, the goal isn’t taking notes – it’s thinking effectively. Long periods of reflection better spark insights than fleeting app sessions.
In the end, cognition happens in our brains, not software. While apps have storage benefits, true insights require wrestling with our findings alone. Until AI can actively aid that process, don’t expect programs alone to vastly improve reasoning. Focusing deeply remains key to boosting intellect.
