Digital Minimalism: A Constructive Argument

Reclaim Your Time and Energy

You didn’t stumble upon my website by accident; I’m sure of that. Are you thinking about making a change in your daily life? Does it feel like you never have time for yourself or your goals? Almost as if there are never enough minutes in the day to embrace your hobbies, school, work, and relationships?

You swear it was only 5:00 p.m. when you last looked at the clock! Now it’s past midnight, and your eyes are blurry, your throat is dry, and you haven’t used the restroom for seven hours. Does this sound like something you’ve experienced once, twice, or even daily?

You’re not alone. In our current era, technology rules—and I don’t mean in the 90s slang way of saying something is awesome. It truly dominates us, akin to a micromanaging leader who won’t give us any space to work. Why can’t we just let phones be tools for us, with their built-in GPS, calculator, camera, and voice calls? When did it become acceptable to have an app for absolutely everything in our lives?

Boredom is not our enemy. There is another way to exist in the world that doesn't revolve around technology, our computers, or our phones. I promise it is possible to reimagine your life by choosing mindfulness over instant gratification. Continue to the 'Why Digital Minimalism?' section to discover why this movement is so timely and what benefits it offers.

Rise of Smartphones & Social Media

Younger generations might feel that smartphones and social media have always been integral to daily life. However, it’s crucial to remember that these technologies have only been widespread for about two decades. The roots go deeper than 20 years; for instance, Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) from 1978 were an early form of online communication and a precursor to modern social media platforms. BBS lasted over 20 years and are still used by hobbyists today (Edwards). However, the social media we interact with today, including platforms like Facebook and Twitter, became prevalent in the early 2000s. This rapid adoption has profoundly transformed how we communicate, access information, and engage with one another.

Despite their omnipresence, these technologies are relatively new in the grand scheme of human history. Pew Research Center's study indicates that the share of teens who report being online "almost constantly" has roughly doubled since 2014-2015 (24% vs. 46%) (Atske). This significant increase in technology use among teens highlights that these changes are both recent and potentially alarming.

The consequences of this technological shift are becoming increasingly evident. Research by Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology, demonstrates a worrying trend: the rise of smartphones and social media has been linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression among teens. Twenge observes that "Teens who spend more time than average on screen activities are more likely to be unhappy, and those who spend more time than average on nonscreen activities are more likely to be happy" (Twenge). This suggests that while technology has revolutionized our lives, it also carries complex impacts on mental health and well-being.

As we continue to navigate this digital age, it's essential to consider both the advantages and the potential drawbacks of our technological environment. Reflecting on these insights can help us make more mindful choices about how we engage with technology and support a healthier balance between our digital and real-world interactions.