Fourteen days ago, I read the second chapter of Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport and decided to follow along. For the next 30 days, I quit any optional technology made in the last 20 years. This included Instagram, TikTok, Spotify (which still hurts the most), Reddit, YouTube, etc.
The goal wasn’t clear when I decided to start, but after finishing the book, I began to see the goals and gains of this practice more clearly. There are some technologies that I can’t wait to include in my life again, but there are also many that I’m very happy to get rid of for good. I’ll mention these later, but for now I want to talk about my general thoughts and situation.
The first couple of days were the hardest because I simply couldn’t find anything to do with my free time. For those who don’t know me, I’m a software engineer who mostly works from home and a technology enthusiast. I enjoy following news about new consumer tech and, if possible, acquiring things I can afford. I’m also a huge fan of video games, which weren’t included in the detox, although the book mentions that some participants chose to include gaming because it distracted them. I decided to include gaming as well.
At first, I kept checking my phone for no reason, now stripped of its shiny social media apps, and surfed the internet like in the old days, checking news sites and old forums. Whenever I got really bored, I went back to the book looking for answers. It gave me some recommendations that worked well.
I started going out more and socializing more. It began with cafe visits, since sitting at home reading on my couch gets boring fast. I moved that habit to a cafe in my neighborhood. I live in Berlin, so there are many vibrant cafes around.
After that phase, I focused on my work and technical hobbies. I programmed an iOS app in a week and got it almost to a shippable stage, which was great because I usually lose focus halfway and abandon projects. My GitHub is full of unfinished ideas.
I took my old iPod and started buying albums from my bucket list. I had never paid much attention to that list and usually only listened to a few songs from each album. Growing up, downloading single tracks was the norm, not buying albums. I loaded my iPod with albums and listened to music mindfully. I tracked the mood and style of each album and really enjoyed it. It didn’t feel like Spotify.
One Friday night, I was bored and had nothing to do since I had already met most of my friends earlier in the week. I looked for a meetup to attend, something I often consider but usually skip. This time, the urge to spend quality time was so strong that I rushed to get ready and bought a ticket.
It was a reading event with a social aspect, and I liked it. This taught me something important. I was never meant to spend Friday nights at home playing a 100 hour JRPG I don’t even enjoy and pretending I like it. That’s not me. The chapter I was reading talked about filling detox time with real world interaction, and I could see the detox working. The enjoyment from that event and from talking with book lovers couldn’t be compared to scrolling social media or casually texting friends at home. I wanted to keep that lesson with me.
The second week was gradually better. I organized my freed time better but still wanted more quality time. I made seasonal and weekly plans like the book suggests. I started doing things without overthinking efficiency or necessity. With so much time, I could simply try things and decide later if they were worth continuing. The feeling of having so much time is very freeing. Even this text comes from that free time.
I used WhatsApp only to arrange in-person meetings. If I wanted real interaction, I chose voice or video calls. I did this with my family. Instead of texting, I asked to video call in the evening and we talked face to face. The book talks about rich, multimodal interactions that involve more senses. They feel more satisfying.
During this week, I noticed a problem. Without social media, I started checking news sites more often. Breaking news and stock updates began taking much more time than expected. I added screen time limits and removed more apps.
I found new books, made a seasonal plan, and completed tasks I had delayed for months. I fixed my old Keychron keyboard, tried to assemble my new desk, threw away old boxes, and played guitar more.
Some plans are on hold. I got sick early in the second week and still feel it. I also have a lumbar strain. But I never craved doom scrolling or YouTube. I didn’t miss Twitter or YouTube creators. The only thing I truly miss is my AirPods and Spotify. Sometimes I remember a song and want to listen, or my wired EarPods pop off my ears. I miss noise cancellation and answering calls hands free.
New tech has brought many great things, but to use them well, we first need to clean ourselves from their clutter. I plan to reintroduce some tools but with limits and new habits. I was never heavy on social media or gaming, but for someone who is, this book can be life changing. For me, it already feels close.