Have you ever stopped to think about how often you use your mobile phone? Are you addicted to it? Is it doing you more harm than good? Despite the obvious benefits of digital technology, Cal Newport delves into how using it less can benefit our lives, in his book “Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World”.
Less is more. We often hear this statement in many contexts, but have you stopped to think how it applies to digital technology? Newport argues that while technology is beneficial, it is also consuming and destructive. Although there are many benefits to technology, the author explores how our time and energy can be better spent elsewhere.
As humans, we have choices in how we live our lives, and that includes where we place our attention. We can choose to use our phones or computers, or instead engage in real conversations, experience solitude, or use our hands to create something new. Newport touches on these alternative uses of time and explains their benefits to our wellbeing. The quality and richness of these activities outweigh comparable uses of technology.
Many people may be aware of their addiction to technology but are not sure how to escape it. Newport describes a method to declutter our digital lives, starting with removing all digital technology for one month, and then reintroducing necessary technology. His previous experiments found that test subjects implemented changes in different ways, and alternative methods worked for different individuals.
I agree that digital technology is necessary and assists in everyday life. But I also see situations where other methods can be implemented as a viable substitute. These substitute methods or activities are often richer and provide more value. Eliminating digital technology and leading a normal life would be near impossible, but intentionally limiting its use can allow us to live a more fulfilling life.
This book has drawn on research, but also on opinion and conjecture. I encourage you to take the information presented and make your own conclusions about how digital technology may apply to your life. Newport’s book is easy to read, and leaves thought into how you can use technology as a tool and not just to pass the time.
Are you interested in learning more by reading this book?
Books for Thought 