Digital Minimalism: How I’m Becoming More Intentional with Technology

A few months ago, I realized how much time I was spending on screens, and honestly, it scared me. In a post I shared, my daily screen time was around five hours per day, crazy, right?

So, I decided to make some changes and reinforce certain habits. My goal wasn’t to eliminate technology but to stop being constantly distracted by my phone, tablet, or any other device pulling my attention. I needed tools, not overcomplicated ones, but simple habits I could adopt.

During this search, I stumbled upon a book. I can’t recall exactly whether I read a recommendation or just came across it, but here we are. I finished it as my first book of 2025, and let me tell you, first, it wasn’t what I was expecting, and second, I learned a lot.

What Surprised Me About This Book

When I picked up Digital Minimalism, I thought it would be filled with techniques to help me detach from my devices. And while those techniques are definitely in there, what fascinated me the most was how other cultures approach technology.

Take the Amish, for example. They don’t reject technology outright—they adopt it intentionally only when it brings value to their community. Every new tool they introduce serves a clear purpose. That concept made me reflect on my own habits.

How many times have I acquired technology without a clear intention? And beyond that, how often do I use my phone without a purpose? Scrolling through Reddit or X before bed, looking for something interesting to read—that’s not intentional use.

Digital Minimalism Isn’t Just About Reducing Screen Time

Digital Minimalism isn’t just about using your devices less; it’s about using them with intention.

• When I pick up my phone, it should be for something useful.

• If I’m going to use it for entertainment, I should allocate specific time for that instead of mindlessly scrolling.

• It’s about taking one good photo, not 10,000.

• It’s about choosing my own music, not being dragged along by an algorithm.

• It’s about not binge-watching Netflix until I fall asleep.

• It’s about being intentional in everything I do.

The Benefits I’ve Noticed

As I started applying these principles, the benefits became clear:

• I enjoy reading more, being intentional about what I consume makes it more meaningful and easier to understand.

• I’m more present in conversations, though this is still a work in progress, I’ve noticed that I listen more attentively instead of letting my mind wander.

• I feel more, instead of capturing moments through endless photos, I allow myself to fully experience them.

• I feel smarter, paying more attention means I process information faster and make better decisions.

• I feel better about myself, this one was hard to write, but it’s true. Since I spend less time on social media, I focus more on what makes me feel good. As a result, I take better care of myself, keeping my beard in shape, going for walks or runs, and even eating healthier.

Of course, all of this is a work in progress, and I have a feeling it always will be.

How to Get Started

If you’re curious about Digital Minimalism, here’s my advice:

1. Read the book, and adapt a few of the strategies that resonate with you.

2. Be intentional, not just with your devices but in your daily actions.

3. Try these simple habits:

• “Dumb down” your phone, Use features that limit distractions, like iOS’s new Reduce Interruptions mode, which filters notifications to only show time-sensitive or important ones.

• Disable notifications, This worked for me at first, but eventually, I found myself mindlessly opening apps when bored. I’m still working on breaking that habit.

• Start meditating: Apps like Calm offer guided meditation sessions that help center your mind. I love Daily Calm in the morning and Daily Trip in the afternoon.

• Curate your own music—Like we used to do 20 years ago! Make your own playlists instead of letting an algorithm decide for you.

• Take fewer pictures—Capture a moment intentionally, but don’t rely on photos to store your memories. Let your brain do that.

Conclusion

If you’re struggling with mindless tech consumption, this book is a great starting point. It’s not about giving up technology but about using it with purpose, something I’m still learning to do every day.

And of course, I can’t end this post without sharing the book that started it all:

📖 Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport.

Have you ever tried Digital Minimalism? Let me know what works for you!