Searched and found some comments but wanted to know what you all think of Digital Minimalism- it’s unshackling yourself from the technology that is stealing your attention and brain and replacing it with real life activity. I just read this book and I’m in total agreement. All of this online negativity and fear and lack of real connection is turning my/our brain to mush and nobody is living anymore. It’s horrible.
I completely agree with everything he says and would absolutely love to live more like people used to. The social life that “grownups” had when I was little was like a dream. Friends, church, outings, dinners, cake and coffee, talking on the phone, cookouts, a cast of characters visiting our house all the time - I do not know one person who has that richness of society today. I even had it as a young adult pre-internet; you DID things and had interests and time for everything.
- I’m ready to dump most things online and live life in person. I feel fortunate that I have the lived experience of knowing how it works. It’s not nostalgia to say people were more connected. They were! You could talk to strangers and connect for real. People can’t even make small talk anymore- they think it’s abnormal or suspicious. Ok
People feel deep anxiety being cut off from social media, news, or from leaving their phone somewhere off their person. The zombification of everyone is just incredible. What do you think? Have you read this book or are you familiar with the concept? Are you shocked by your phone’s screen time reports?
I don’t know why the format is weird like that, sorry- don’t know how to edit
That "real life" still exists for many of all ages here in my small town. Some like me just closed the door on most of it due to covid, but most have resumed their active social lives. Two big factors would be family -- social activity with extended family and with other parents for those with kids, and church -- a network of friends, activities, events, coffee hour.
It may be a little harder to find in a big city, but it's there too.
Hi, PD! In spite of working on the internet, I have maintained contact with the real world, in large part, by gardening. It's utterly hands on.
I've also never developed a connection to my phone. I turn it off 12 hours a day and while I have it in my car, I never take it into a store or a restaurant.
I used to be super interested it the news but I've set it aside, ignoring 95% of it. I only see it when it crosses into my true interests.
I just make a point of DOING things, rather than watching other people do things. I want to be creative in the world, and I make sure I manage this, on a daily basis.
It's good to see you. I remember when we met. That was real. I recall the beautiful colors you were wearing, and your energy. That's what digital life lacks and it's huge.