“How am I going to use this technology going forward to maximize its value and minimize its harms?”
Do you ever wish you felt more in control of how you use technology? I think a lot of us feel we spend too much time on our phones, tablets and watching TV and movies. One way to tackle this situation is by becoming a digital minimalist. Digital minimalism does not mean having a goal of hardly ever using technology; instead, it means using technology for specific purposes and deciding when and why you use it. Instead of mindlessly surfing Facebook, a digital minimalist would use it for 30 minutes or so once or twice a week on their computer to catch up with friends. There is a purpose, intention and limit to their use.
I heard about Digital Minimalism on The Crystal Paine Show podcast. I’ve followed her as the Money-Saving Mom for several years to find deals and now enjoy her podcast. She mentions what she’s currently reading in each episode (her husband does, too). I put it on hold through my local library to check it out as an ebook and it was several weeks before it became available. It seems to be a popular topic.
Digital Minimalism doesn’t just explain why less is more when it comes to technology, but it also gives specific steps and tips to become a digital minimalist. The first step is to take a 30-day break from social media. For those who use it for work, it would mean taking a break from personal use. Then, things are added back in when there is a specific, intentional use for them. For connecting with friends, the best practice may be to call them or meet for coffee and then Facebook would not be needed. Each person should determine what goals they want to achieve and then the best way to achieve them – with or without technology. The book doesn’t just focus on social media, but also discusses watching media, text messaging and email.
I would highly recommend Digital Minimalism to anyone high school age or older. Actually, it should probably be given to any teen with a smart phone. The earlier a person determines their life priorities and then makes technology work for them, the better. Mindless media use can have a time and place, but it should be intentional, not eating up hours of our lives without a purpose.
What do you think about the idea of digital minimalism? Share on the blog!