Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World Paperback – 12 Mar. 2020

I genuinely couldn't put this book down. After realising that I needed to address my screen time, I decided to do something about it. I learnt that my screen time, at around 3 1/2 hours a day on my phone, and 30 odd unlocks, is actually pretty average, and that in times of stress and anxiety, my phone usage goes up. While it was a relief to know that I was average, I still wanted to address it a it was leaving me overwhelmed and lonely.I have three young children who are coming up to an age where some of their friends have phones and tablets and I want to set a good example for them too. This book really delves into the why behind our screen time, where so many other articles I've read just point out that it's an issue, but not the reasons we are compelled by our screens.I have already deleted everything on my phone that I can - no more social media or trashy news outlets. My phone usage went straight down from 3 and a half hours per day to less than half an hour. The book focuses a lot on what to do instead of starting at our phones, which I really liked - looking into the benefits of active downtime instead of passive downtime.The book doesn't teach you much you don't already know, but putting it all together in one very easy to read book is very compelling. It's definitely changed my days for the better and would recommend it to anyone that wants to take back control over their screen time.

Cal Newport's "Digital Minimalism" is a thought-provoking examination of our troubled relationship with technology, particularly smartphones and digital media. It offers an argument for re-assessing our relationship with technology and provides practical tips for doing so. Thereby, the book nicely complements his other book "Deep Work" that focuses more on the advantages of letting go of distractions to enable deeper engagement.Newport adopts a holistic perspective, drawing on psychological studies, cultural history, and his own insights to argue for a more intentional and limited use of technology. His concept of 'digital minimalism' encourages readers to perform a critical audit of their digital lives and to eliminate or restrict non-essential digital engagements. Newport offers practical tips and exercises, such as taking a 30-day 'digital declutter,' that are designed to help readers regain control over their tech use.What stands out in "Digital Minimalism" is Newport's compelling argument that mere tweaks to our digital habits are insufficient. He advocates for a full-fledged lifestyle change, rooted in values and high-quality activities that are deeply fulfilling. This is where the book moves beyond mere tips and hacks, presenting a philosophy of tech use. It builds on the more general movement of minimalism that aims to replace mindless consumerism with a "less is more" attitude.I've been concerned about losing focus and feeling anxious due to constant digital distractions. I've read various books on the subject, but most just made me feel stressed about following new rules and guilty when I couldn't stick to them. What sets "Digital Minimalism" apart is its more balanced viewpoint. Instead of suggesting we quit technology cold turkey, Cal Newport recommends evaluating which tech habits are truly beneficial and which are harmful. This approach allows for a more reasonable use of technology.In short, if digital overload is draining your attention and energy, "Digital Minimalism" offers a practical guide to regain control without having to give up technology completely.

I read this book as an early adopter of Facebook, back when I loved in Scotland. Then when I found it, there was no or minimal advertising as I can remember. None of my friends used it that I was aware of, neither did any relatives At the time I had an account with the very popular MySpace, but I was growing disillusioned with the push for a much younger audience, so I encouraged others to go over to Facebook, with my explanation that it was also clean and uncluttered. In 2018, before the Cambridge Analytics scandal came to light, I permanently closed my Facebook account, believing Dr Jekyll had become Mr Hyde. To date I haven't gone back and have no intention of doing so. In 2020, I opened a Facebook Messenger account to communicate with a few people, although I was never comfortable with it. I had a WhatsApp account prior to Facebook buying them. Due to a change in my personal circumstances, I needed to change my Facebook Messenger photograph. When I created the TH account (without a Facebook account) it allowed me to add the photo, but now it wouldn't allow me to alter it - unless I opened a full Facebook account. Realising the con behind this, and still uncomfortable with anything Facebook, I closed my Facebook Messenger and my WhatsApp account as the con was created by the same company, Facebook incorporated. Having now finished this excellent book, it was the right decision for me. Read the book and you will make positive decisions in your personal or professional life. Maybe both!