Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in managing screen time and digital consumption, likening excessive screen use to addiction and advocating for a "digital detox" to enhance focus and creativity [5][56]. Group 1: Digital Addiction and Its Effects - Overuse of screens leads to a decline in attention span and cognitive abilities, similar to the effects of consuming too much sugar [3][5]. - The internet serves as a modern-day equivalent of the fictional drug "soma," providing instant gratification that can lead to a loss of critical thinking and self-discipline [10][19]. - The rise of short videos and targeted content keeps users engaged, often at the expense of productivity and deeper learning [11][15][17]. Group 2: The Need for Digital Detox - The article suggests that individuals should create environments free from digital distractions to improve creativity and decision-making [51][54]. - Examples of successful individuals who limit their screen time are provided, highlighting the benefits of disconnecting from digital devices [56][57]. - Implementing a structured approach to balancing work and leisure, such as rewarding productive work with screen time, is recommended [60][61]. Group 3: Algorithmic Influence and Information Consumption - Algorithms are designed to cater to user preferences, creating echo chambers that limit exposure to diverse viewpoints [42][44]. - A case study from Tokyo shows that reducing reliance on smart recommendations can significantly enhance creative output and reduce decision-making errors [52][53]. - The article advocates for using counter-algorithms to diversify information sources and combat cognitive biases [45][48].