THE DESIGN OF SHALLOW THINKING

Summary from the TLDR Design newsletter

Our capacity for deep thought has been eroded less by AI and more by how the internet's design has evolved. Early online spaces felt like destinations that encouraged exploration, long-form expression, and reflection, while smartphones, infinite feeds, and algorithm-driven platforms shifted us toward shallow, compulsive consumption. These patterns were shaped by business models built on maximizing attention, not by accident. Rethinking design to include boundaries, stopping points, and depth-focused features could help restore sustained attention and more meaningful engagement.