Podcast #17: Cal Newport on Deep Work

For a computer scientist, Georgetown professor and author Cal Newport is hard to reach via email. But it’s part of his philosophy that focused concentration–so elusive in our overstimulated world–is the key to a better and more rewarding work and personal life.

Google’s Smart Reply: Convenience Over Connection

Gmail offers users canned responses to emails, based on AI interpretations of the contents and the user’s typical writing style. This convenience, unknown to the recipient, comes at a social cost.

Want to Borrow Money? Then Let a Credit Startup Read Your Email

New online lenders promise funds for previously-ignored groups. The catch? Borrowers have to allow them to spy on everything they do and everyone they associate with.