Digital Minimalism

Inspired by Cal Newport’s Digital Minimalism among other philosophy of technology books I’ve read in the last six months, the farmer and I are slowly entering a “digital declutter” for the month of July. While we’d highly recommend reading the book in full, here’s the short version:

• Remove all optional technologies from your life for 30 days

• Fill your newfound time with activities, people, and analog things you love

• Define your values, goals, and aspirations

• Slowly and intentionally add back in only those technologies that support the above

An app, website, etc. will only be added back in if it is the best way to support our values and the life we want to craft. It’s possible an app is the best tool, but it’s also equally possible something different may prove better. Is Pinterest really the best way for me to find new recipes? What if I’m more likely to actually try cooking something new with a physical cookbook rather than swimming in a sea of distracting recipe overload? Similar to the food elimination diet we just completed, we’ll be carefully weighing the pros and cons of each “technology” during the reintroduction period.

This journey may or may not lead back to active social media use. Maybe I will learn I do get a small benefit from Facebook, but can I get that benefit from checking in for an hour once-a-week? Or do I need to be scrolling every single day of the week? Maybe craft some “operating instructions” for time-sinking apps and websites to maximize their benefits and reduce the negative impact to our values and goals. Just like enjoying dessert on rare occasions rather than indulging every day.

I’ve long admired the Amish and the simple lifestyles they cultivate. In studying Plain culture off and on over the last decade, I’ve observed how their simplicity is planned and intentional. They aren’t anti-technology as they are often viewed. As a community they ask hard questions about every new gadget, tool, and gizmo to see if it aligns with their values. Convenience is not a good enough reason in and of itself. To quote Eric Brende that lived with a Plain sect for a year: "Our neighbors chose devices they thought would benefit them--the minimum necessary to maximize their ends...Technology undoubtedly has, and always will have, some role in making life easier or better, so one shouldn't exclude it. But the role is supplemental. Technology serves us, not we technology."

With all that said, here are my parameters for the 30-day Digital Declutter:

• No social media (including FB messenger)

• Email only on a physical computer (app removed from phone)

• RSS feed only on a physical computer in the mornings (time limit)

• “Dock” phone when at home (keep it out of my pockets)

• Texting more as-needed to set up more complex social interactions (phone call or in-person)

Worried that I’ll have nothing to do and be isolated? Here’s what I hope to have more time for:

• Re-learning DSLR camera manual mode and practicing

• Engaging ideas deeper via writing on my blog

• Study the enneagram with a small group of friends

• Work on wood-working projects with my farmer

• Take more walks and hikes with the schnoodle

• Rediscover my love of handwritten letters

• Experiment with a regular “drop-in” time for friends for tea and chatting

• Invite friends and family into analog activities/events we’re already planning on attending