Digital Minimalism

Newport's book is well written, with some genuinely interesting passages, but is probably best suited for people who have never questioned their own digital habits and tendencies, which ironically are also the people least likely to pick up this particular book.

The more in-depth parts of the book work very well, such as the chapters on why likes on Facebook and gambling are the same, why the Amish people are hackers in the truest sense and how the New York Sun newspaper already operated in a way reminiscent of today's attention economy, all the way back in 1830. Newport also makes a very strong case as for ~why~ you should review your digital habits.

The weak sides of the book are clearly HOW this should happen. Most of the tips Cal comes up with are along the lines of; turn off notifications and leave your phone at home. Although it is a relevant method, a lot of preliminary work is required before someone with a stressful digital life chooses to go that way.

The most relevant questions in this context, when you zoom out, is not limited to either new technology nor social media - but is a question that has eluded us for centuries: how can we see through our own egocentric concepts/constructions and face reality - as it actually is - here and now?

Like a lot of these sort of books, Newport uses a lot of interesting anecdotes and historical stories to pad out his overall message which is that while the internet can be useful, you can have too much of a good thing and it can't replace human contact and social media can't replace voice conversations. I feel this is true. Some of his advice like planning your leisure time (actually writing out a plan) sounds too much like work to me. Maybe that would help some people. His main idea though, is to go on a sort of "digital detox" for a month and then reintroduce social media and other "internet entertainment" in a more conscious way, so you're not picking up your phone whenever you feel bored. I have found this has helped me a lot.

I listened to this as an audiobook while I was driving around delivering UberEats, so I missed bits where my iPhone was barking directions out at me. I want to read the actual book in the future.