3 New Rules for Overcoming Digital Addiction

Create before you consume

Since moving to the woods on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, I’ve felt the tug of cognitive dissonance growing increasingly persistent and immediate.

It’s familiar, this feeling — knowing that something I’m doing day in and day out is unaligned with what feels good and right. Last time it got to me, I got sober.

This time, the familiar, uncomfortable pull has to do with technology use…er, misuse. As with past places of nagging, self-inflicted discord, it’s reached the point of doing something about it.

I’m writing this post, most of all, as part of that “doing.” Accountability is a powerful thing, and my knack for discipline is borderline pathological — especially when I’m the one creating the rules.

In writing this post, I’m giving myself three new ones. I’ll also share additional rules already in place — that way, you can pick and choose.

First, Some Context

In brief, I haven’t bought into the consumerist narrative. For more than two decades, I’ve embraced minimalism as a way of creating spaciousness…and making space for spirit.

For years, my things were few enough to fit in a few backpacks. Now, they mostly fit in a two-seater MINI.

I’m what some might consider an extreme minimalist (though I don’t experience it that way).

I have fewer than 30 books and fewer than 30 items of clothing. I own exactly one spoon, one fork, two knives, and two bowls (never liked plates).

I re-read books several times cover-to-cover — really absorbing them — before picking up anything new.

I live in a one-room cabin with two (sadly, energetically maximalist) Siamese cats. Noise too, I keep to a minimum (though said cats have other ideas).

I like things this way.

It’s not about deprivation. It’s about feeling lighter…freer…more connected.

Minimalism 2.0

That’s the physical stuff. But I mean digitally too. I audit my laptop and phone on the regular — keeping the essentials, clearing out the rest, making space.

I’m medium-obsessed with Inbox Zero.

I send files “I may need someday” to the Bin.

I remove all unused apps, bookmarks, icons, etc., from my desktop and phone. (In case you’re curious, my phone still has these ones: Apple Podcasts, Calculator, Maps, ParkVictoria, Scannable, Spotify, Telegram, Weather.)

I deleted Instagram from my phone, forcing myself to post and check more consciously, from my laptop.

I rigorously edit all saved photos, keeping only those with sentimental value.

Digital Consumption

Here too, my diet is strict. I don’t check email until after my morning writing time (which, when not raining, is outside surrounded by trees, listening to frogs, songbirds, and roosters).

I quit Facebook last Winter and never looked back. I don’t do TikTok or Twitter or Youtube.

I don’t own a TV and haven’t watched a show online or anywhere else since December 31, 2019.

I subscribe to very few newsletters (and unsubscribe if I find I’m not actually reading them — even if I admire the senders and continue visiting their websites or posts elsewhere).

I follow forty-some people on Instagram (but always read and “like” all their posts, plus head over and “like” the posts of anyone who happens to “like” mine).

I subscribe to nine podcasts (which I keep up with religiously, listening from beginning to end).

I keep all phone and laptop notifications off.

I keep my ringer on silent and on Airplane at night.

I keep my phone on “grey scale” (more boring, less entrancing).

This is not about deprivation. It’s about spaciousness…and how less noise and less distraction makes me feel.

By the way, my business is entirely remote. I create, share, and connect online all the time. But consumption is not creation or connection.

Cognitive Dissonance

Clearly, I’ve already got a few things dialled (and/or am deeply pathological — take your pick). So, what’s the problem?

Here’s what: Despite all my minimalist ways, I still find myself surrounded by nature yet compulsively bouncing between personal email, work email, Instagram, LinkedIn, and (most favourite of all) Medium.

I’m still craving more silence and more time creating rather than consuming.

I’m still lusting after more connection with self, spirits, and Source.

In short, the balance is off. In short, I remain digitally addicted.

New Rules

With you as my witness, I hereby declare Three New Rules. In addition to the above, I will henceforth:

• Never take my phone on daily walks (when I typically listen to podcasts rather than birds)
• Never check Instagram, LinkedIn, or work email after 8pm (still leaves personal email and Medium, but it’s a start!)
• Only check Instagram and LinkedIn when actually posting there

I know that’s just three things. I know I could and arguably should add more (not checking Medium stats multiple times a day…er hour, for instance).

But combined with what I’m doing already, it’s a solid start. It’s enough to move the needle and bring cognitive dissonance down a notch.

Have digital rules in place? Plan on snagging a few of mine? Please share and inspire!

xo, A Digital Minimalist

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