Exploring the Impact of Long-Form Content versus Short Form Media in the Digital Era

Unveiling the depth and value of long-form content in a world captivated by TikTok and Instagram.

The Profound Impact of Long-Form Content

Almost every day, some young person emails or reaches out to me to tell me they can create engaging social media content, specifically shorts, reels, or TikTok videos. While, occasionally, you may find insights in a profound bumper-sticker quote, they’re unlikely to significantly enhance your personal development or achieve critical life goals. You don't really want to think in bumper stickers. Moreover, this constant exposure to short-form media can hinder your ability to maintain deep focus and attention.

When you scroll through Instagram, your brain treats you to a hit of dopamine, a reward for finding something novel. Scroll! Dopamine! Scroll! Dopamine! Instagram, along with other social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube, was designed to maximize user engagement and time spent browsing.

The founders of the United States read the great books, starting with the Greeks, the Romans, and the Western canon, which are vital components of classical education and literature. Fortunately, there were no digital distractions to divert them from studying human history and its lessons. Our ancestors prioritized a comprehensive classical education. In contrast, today's society often opts for less formal and more digital-centric learning methods.

Enter TikTok and Renegade, the most popular dance phenomena on TikTok. In a rapidly changing world, many are oblivious to the transformations occurring around us. One day, they will wake up and wonder what happened.

Note to self: Suggest a TikTok dance called Oblivious, a metaphor for how many are sleepwalking through life as the world continues to evolve... and sometimes burn. Remember, for every action, there is an equal reaction.

The Power of In-Depth Reading and Learning

Ryan Holiday, a renowned expert on Stoicism, consumes a vast array of books, including ancient philosophical texts, and publishes modern interpretations of ancient wisdom. He employs traditional note-taking methods, such as index cards and handwriting, which are proven to aid memory and recall. It's doubtful that such avid readers would be familiar with the latest trends like TikTok's Renegade dance.

Venturing into YouTube, one might discover Hardcore Literature with Benjamin McEvoy, an Oxford-educated literature expert. His online platform offers guided readings of classical literature masterpieces. While attempting to join the highest tier of his book club, I found that these dedicated members rarely leave, so spaces only rarely open up.

Also on YouTube is Rob Pirie of The Cause. Pirie is methodically working through the Harvard Classics, a comprehensive collection of foundational texts in literature, philosophy, and history, commonly referred to as Dr. Eliot's Five-Foot Shelf of Books. This series encompasses 50 volumes of classic literature, influential speeches, and key historical documents.

In my efforts, I initiated The One-Up Book Club, a community committed to reading significant and influential books that provide insights into our rapidly changing world. Our objective is to gain a broader perspective on future developments and trends.

Brevity versus Depth: The Ongoing Debate

When an email is dismissed for being too lengthy, it is a sign of a concerning trend in modern communication. This attitude underscores a shift away from engaging with comprehensive, thought-provoking content.

Recently, I had a conversation with Joe Pulizzi, a pioneer in content marketing who successfully built and sold a large-scale conference in this field. Joe and his colleagues believe that the future of content lies in long-form media, a counterbalance to the prevailing trend of brevity. This underscores the principle that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Devoting time to consuming content should involve a significant focus on long-form media, rich, in-depth material that offers substantial value and insight. Engaging with long-form content is a practice that will always hold more significance than fleeting media consumption.

The Comprehensive Nature of Long-Form Content

Long-form content provides a depth of information that is simply unattainable in short-form media.

1. Short-form content often strips away the context that adds substantial value to the information presented.
2. Long-form content allows for thorough explanation, enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.
3. Long-form often incorporates narratives that both entertain and educate, making the learning process more engaging.
4. In-depth content can provide actionable insights and strategies, empowering you to apply what you have learned.

Embracing the Depth of Long-Form Content

Long-form content offers a comprehensive exploration of topics. It is detailed, covering insights and perspectives often missing from short-form media. This depth of coverage enhances understanding, particularly of complex subjects.

Critical thinking is fostered through long-form content, as it challenges you to analyze and question what you consume. This can lead to a preference for more thoughtful and substantial media.

Long-form content often includes diverse perspectives, such as historical and cultural background and contexts, helping you to trace the evolution of ideas and concepts over time.

By engaging with long-form content, you counteract the shallow engagement encouraged by platforms like TikTok. This practice can enhance your concentration, comprehension, vocabulary, and overall personal and professional development. Over time, a commitment to long-form content can lead to improved memory retention and cognitive skills.