Book Rec: Digital Minimalism

If you’re not in Hollywood, less screen time is better.

For the last six months, I haven’t worn headphones during my commutes. I began looking around me in the train car, known as the “L” in Chicago. The amount of people staring at their phones or wearing headphones alarms me. I’ve decided it’s not how I want to live my life.

Last month, Digital Minimalism came out. “How to Live a Focused Life in a Noisy World.” Author Cal Newport read my mind: my relationship with screens grew fraught over recent years. I felt naked without my phone within arm’s reach; I couldn’t do anything without music or a podcast playing in the background; I aimlessly explored apps. I lost the ability to think clearly and—dare I say—be bored! It controlled me and not the other way around. How do I address this in my life?

While I already started down a rehabilitation path, reading Digital Minimalism reaffirmed my position. I don’t think we signed up for this—an addiction to our screens—but that’s what it’s become for many. Newport explains it simply: phones have turned into a slot machine in our pocket. Each time we look at it, we hope there will be something new and exciting, temporarily releasing endorphins in our brain. Digital media companies make money by holding our attention for advertisers. Newport refers to them now as “tobacco farmers in t-shirts.” Google anything like “social media executive tech-free children” and numerous articles about executives not letting their children use social media will pop up. They know their apps are designed with our psychology in mind.

You might think Newport is against social media, but he’s not. These companies do offer good things, but the problem isn’t WHY we use them—it’s HOW. Newport argues we can live happier lives if we become more intentional about how we use new digital technology. He offers practical advice for how to accomplish this.

Digital Minimalism is easy to follow. Newport, however, didn’t have to convince of anything. Some of the examples in the book I found boring, and I definitely rolled my eyes on a number of occasions. You can accomplish physical projects and pick up new hobbies by spending less time on screens—go figure. It kind of felt like page filling to me. I got the most value from the information about digital media companies and proposed techniques for how to be more intentional with my screen use.

If you find yourself questioning your relationship with your screens, I would recommend this book. It’s a good place to start. Digital Minimalism doesn’t advocate that you eliminate it from your life but figure out how it can best enhance it. You have powerful tools in our hands. How will you use them?

You can buy Digital Minimalism here

Have you been having these conversations too? Let me know what you think.