{"id":3894,"date":"2020-04-30T19:48:28","date_gmt":"2020-04-30T19:48:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bloomsoup.com\/?page_id=3894"},"modified":"2021-09-19T15:47:47","modified_gmt":"2021-09-19T15:47:47","slug":"digital-minimalism-cal-newport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bloomsoup.com\/digital-minimalism-cal-newport\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital Minimalism Summary (Cal Newport)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Is your online media consumption causing anxiety and overwhelm?

You’re not alone.

In his book, Professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University (and successful blogger), Cal Newport<\/a>, argues that we need a digital detox to restore emotional health and wellbeing.

So if you’re glued to your phone day and night, the Digital Minimalism summary is for you.

Let’s get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When the innocuous ‘like’ button emerged on FriendFeed in 2007 it was a portentous moment.

Soon it was defacto for social media, allowing companies to keep us hooked with endless notifications while gathering user preference data.

Finally people are becoming aware of the pernicious effects of online technology and beginning to push back.

Newport performed his own min-study which formed the basis of the book, in which 1,600 volunteers followed a month-long tech sabattical, providing valuable insights digital minimalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addiction<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Current symptoms many of us experience while not engaged with our phone is one of disquiet, a nagging sensation that we need to check notifications, emails and texts.

How did this happen?

Indeed, the first iPhone and Facebook version were never designed to be addictive.

This came later, with the work of social media engineers.

One such method of attention manipulation was with the introduction of Facebook’s ‘thumb’s up’ button, exploiting our deep desire for tribal acceptance and social approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The philosophy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We need a way to protect ourselves from the damaging effects of online media while still enjoying the rewards.

Many advocate quick hacks, like disabling app notifications, but the author believes a more comprehensive approach is needed for behaviour change.

Enter digital minimalism – better living can come from less.

Like it’s physical counterpart philosophy, ask yourself: Does this website, app or service really support what I value in a way that nothing else can?

In other words, we need to optimise for the value with derive from this media while reducing the time and emotional burden involved.

If there is a certain application that is of professional benefit, what guidelines can you set around it’s productive use?

As one of the study participants discovered after purging his social media accounts, you’ll likely enjoy more quality time with your family and hobbies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 principles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The philosophy is rooted in three tenets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n