The day the first iPhone was released, it changed everything! The world became even more connected.
Today, the like button is everywhere waiting for us to signal approval to others. In “Digital Minimalism”, Cal Newport explained how the motives behind advancements in technology have evolved over time.
Beyond the sleeker gadgets and cooler apps lies an important question: “What does our relationship with technology say about our autonomy and priorities?”
As Newport succinctly puts it, it’s not just about the usefulness of technology; it’s about how we choose to reclaim our focus and autonomy in this digital age.
What is Digital Minimalism?
He defined Digital Minimalism as “a philosophy of technology use in which you focus your online time on a small number of carefully selected and optimized activities that strongly support things you value, and then happily miss out on everything else.”
The worst sales pitch
I find it fascinating how he highlights that “maybe you’re missing something” is the most ineffective sales pitch for using social media.
After all, if I don’t know what I am missing, am I really missing anything?
Digital cleanse
Cal Newport proposes a thought-provoking idea: embark on a 30-day digital cleanse, using only essential technology you cannot go without.
“Put aside a thirty-day period during which you will take a break from optional technologies in your life. During this thirty-day break, explore and rediscover activities and behaviors that you find satisfying and meaningful. At the end of the break, reintroduce optional technologies into your life, starting from a blank slate. For each technology you reintroduce, determine what value it serves in your life and how specifically you will use it so as to maximize this value”.
– Cal Newport
We often exaggerate how inconvenient life would be without our smartphones. Few weeks ago, my phone’s mobile data stopped working after a reset. It seemed like it would be a significant discomfort.
Surprisingly, I quickly adapted by planning my routes and activities in advance.
I read books on the bus and listened to Udemy courses I had downloaded. Without mobile data, I noticed interesting structures around the city and places I hadn’t seen before. It made me wonder, “Where have I been? This is everywhere!”
Background entertainment
On another note, distraction through social media and constant background entertainment (music/movies/podcast) come at too high a cost. Some people cannot do without these background entertainment. The result is a buildup of worries and unresolved thoughts.
Are you afraid of spending time alone with your thoughts? If so, it might be time for a technology cleanse – take a break, reflect, listen to yourself, and clear your mind.
Track your phone usage
Even before reading “Digital Minimalism,” I had already reduced my technology usage. I was shocked when I checked my phone usage – using the Digital Wellbeing app – not by the time spent, but by the sheer number of times I mindlessly opened some apps!
Now, I consciously distance myself from my phone while working, often leaving it in another room when I’m at home. It has given me the space to focus and be present.
In one of his three leisure lessons, Newport emphasized prioritizing demanding activities over passive consumption. It’s no wonder that we feel more energized after reading or working out for 30 minutes than after mindlessly scrolling through social media feed. In fact, the more challenging the task, the more value you get from it. Try it.
“For many people, their compulsive phone use papers over a void created by a lack of a well-developed leisure life.”
– Cal Newport
You see, sometimes we can’t put our phones down because we’re missing something else in our lives – real, meaningful leisure activities! If we just cut out the phone time without replacing it with something interesting, life can feel dull. That’s why finding exciting hobbies and enjoying our free time is important.
So, the next time you feel tempted to scroll endlessly on your phone, remember that it might be a sign that you need to add a little more adventure and fun to your life!
Key Takeaways for a better Tech-Life Balance:
- Embrace a Digital Cleanse: Try a 30-day break from social media and watch how its appeal diminishes over time.
- Audit Your Tech Use: Reflect on whether technology serves you or if you find yourself serving technology instead.
- Engage in Real-World Leisure: Swap social media time for enriching real-world leisure activities.
- Less Social Media, More Joy: As you engage in more leisure activities, you’ll naturally find yourself using social media less.
- Embrace Solitude: Spend quality time alone with your thoughts. This will foster self-reflection and personal growth.
Is technology serving you or are you serving technology?
Who should read this book?
Anyone with a digital device.
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