unpublished alpha

An information diet refers to the intentional consumption of news, books, videos, and other forms of media. Just like our nutritional diet, the information we consume shapes our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Famous examples include Benjamin Franklin’s practice of reading daily and keeping a journal, and more recently, Tim Ferriss’s selective media consumption to optimize productivity and mental health. Ferriss, for instance, adheres to the rule of not reading anything less than a year old to avoid getting caught up in the ephemeral and focus on content that has stood the test of time (I hope he makes an exception for news about AI). This approach helps filter out noise and prioritize enduring, high-quality information.

Today, the concept of an information diet has evolved with the abundance of digital media. People are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information, making it more challenging yet essential to curate what they consume. Many now outsource this curation consciously or subconciously to an algorithm, while others use tools and apps to filter content, track their consumption, and focus on high-quality sources. The shift towards intentional consumption helps manage the cognitive load and maintain mental well-being in an age of information overload.

I aspire to a healthy information diet, by trying to follow these guidelines:

media literacy: Develop skills to critically evaluate the sources and quality of the information you consume. Understanding bias, recognizing credible sources, and cross-referencing information are key aspects of media literacy.

diverse sources: Just as a balanced diet includes various food groups, a balanced information diet should include diverse sources and media. Read books, listen to podcasts, watch videos, and engage in IRL conversations.

listen to podcasts: I agree with Erik Torenberg (founder of Tuperntine Media and OnDeck) that podcasts are vastly underrated and should be a key source. Even though it seems everyone and their astrologer has a podcast, there are many reasons to believe we aren’t close to saturation. Here are 10 reasons why:

1. knowledge transfer: Top experts often lack time to publish; interviews are their primary method to share knowledge.
2. improved tooling: Editing tools, analytics, and discovery will improve, reducing costs and enhancing distribution and monetization.
3. normalization: Recording conversations will become standard, leading to podcasts as a byproduct. Like it has on X, anonymity will likely enhance and proflierate podcasts. Plus, podcasts are still seen as frivolous or self-important, so when this shifts, more people will podcast.
4. versatility: Podcasts can be repurposed into newsletters, videos, and more, serving as a gateway to paid communities and conferences, and proving/signaling a network and knowledge.
5. oral knowledge transmission: Oral transmission of knowledge is ancient and enduring.
6. low barriers to entry: Compared to video, podcasts generally require less expensive equipment and lower production costs. This could change with Sora, Midjourney, Runway, etc. as video production becomes easier. But then again, a lot of podcasts today do have a video component, but we still consider them podcasts.
7. multitasking: Listeners can engage with content while driving or doing the laundry.
8. diverse formats: Flexibility in content delivery, from interviews and solo episodes to panel discussions and narrative storytelling.
9. niche targeting: Podcasts cover specific topics, reaching dedicated and engaged audiences more easily than written content.
10. accessible connection: Easy to consume anytime, anywhere, such as during commutes or workouts, while fostering a personal connection with listeners.

go direct: Instead of relying on derivative pieces like reviews or critiques, don’t mistake them for the real thing. Podcasts are some of these direct sources (even though they are edited); you’re hearing the words straight from somoenes mouth.

Critiques and derrivative articles often cherrypick quotes and present ideas out-of-context. If a topic interests you, read or watch the original source material. If you’re not compelled enough to do that, it’s probably wise to avoid engaging in the discourse.

quality over quantity: Focus on consuming high-quality content that adds value and depth to your understanding. Avoid clickbait and sensational news.

Intentional Consumption: Be deliberate about when and how you consume information. If possible, set specific times for reading or listening. Use tools like Readwise or Pocket to have a single repository to save articles without leaving 25 tabs open, which leads to overwhelm and an inability to prioritize the articles you actually want to read first. overwhelmed.

Reflect and Apply: Take time to reflect on what you consume and think about how to apply it in your life. This helps internalize information and make it more meaningful and/or useful.

To enhance your information diet:

1. Curate Thoughtfully: Identify key thinkers and sources that consistently provide valuable insights. Follow them and prioritize their content.
2. Limit Turnover: Maintain a stable base of trusted sources, but allow for some turnover to include new perspectives and ideas.
3. Use Tools: Employ apps like Sublime.app to track quotes and passages, creating a digital garden of curated information.
4. Mind the Timing: Like food, some content is best consumed at specific times of the day. Match your information intake with your energy levels and attention span.
5. Balance with Junk Food: It’s okay to indulge in lighter, entertaining content occasionally. Just be mindful of its place in your overall diet.

The content you consume directly impacts your output by influencing your thoughts, which dictate what you say and how you act. By sharing high-quality, thought-provoking content with others, you not only reinforce your own learning but also inspire and influence those around you.

A healthy information diet enhances your knowledge, productivity, and mental well-being. By being intentional and selective, you ensure your information intake aligns with your goals and values. Like physical health, it’s a journey that requires active participation and of course involves external influences and resources.