In our hyperconnected age, the average person checks their phone 96 times per day and spends over 7 hours staring at screens. While technology has brought incredible conveniences, it has also created an epidemic of digital overwhelm that fragments our attention and erodes our ability to think deeply. Digital Simplicity offers a path forward, a philosophy of being intentional about the technologies we allow into our lives.
Understanding Digital Simplicity
Digital Simplicity isn't about rejecting technology entirely. Instead, it's about approaching our digital tools with the same intentionality we might apply to our physical possessions. Just as a minimalist carefully curates their belongings to keep only what adds genuine value, a digital minimalist selectively adopts technologies that serve their goals and values while eliminating digital clutter.
The core principle is simple: technology should work for you, not against you. Every app, notification, and digital service should earn its place in your life by providing clear, substantial benefits that align with your priorities.
The Hidden Costs of Digital Excess
Modern technology is designed to capture and hold our attention. Social media platforms employ teams of neuroscientists and behavioral economists to make their products as engaging as possible. The result is a collection of digital services that profit from our distraction and fragmented attention.
This constant connectivity comes with serious costs. Research shows that even the mere presence of a smartphone can reduce cognitive performance. The average knowledge worker checks email every 11 minutes, and it takes over 20 minutes to fully refocus after each interruption. We've created an environment where deep work has become increasingly rare.
A Real-World Success Story: Richard Sajiun's Balanced Approach
Richard Sajiun's journey perfectly illustrates how intentional technology use can coexist with professional success. Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Richard began his electrical apprenticeship at 16 in his father's business while pursuing higher education at SUNY State University, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and his master Electrician's License.
When he took over Sajiun Electric in 1995, he inherited both a business and a family legacy. Despite spending most of his day working on computers and phones—managing everything from government contracts to federal office building projects—Richard has developed a philosophy that mirrors digital Simplicity principles. He's meticulous about taking breaks away from screens to get fresh air, recognizing that "it's important to keep a balance in our daily routines."
Rather than remaining tethered to his devices, he'll step away to hit the gym or pick up his guitar, understanding that these analog activities actually enhance his professional performance. His approach to business decisions is equally intentional—he's highly selective about contracts, prioritizing quality over profit and refusing to sacrifice integrity for quick gains. Richard's success with Sajiun Electric over 25+ years demonstrates that being strategic about technology engagement while maintaining boundaries for physical activity and creative pursuits creates sustainable success.
Practical Strategies for Digital Decluttering
Start with your smartphone, the most intrusive piece of technology in your life. Remove apps that don't serve your core purposes. Turn off all non-essential notifications. Many people find that keeping only phone, messages, maps, and camera on their home screen dramatically reduces mindless scrolling.
Create friction for problematic apps. If you find yourself mindlessly opening social media, remove the apps entirely and access them only through a web browser when you have a specific purpose. The extra steps required will make you more conscious of your usage patterns.
Establish device-free zones and times. Many families keep phones out of bedrooms to improve sleep quality and relationships. Others designate the first hour of morning or last hour before bed as phone-free time.
Rediscovering Analog Activities
As you reduce digital distractions, fill the newly available time with activities that align with your values. Physical books provide deeper focus than digital reading. Playing a musical instrument offers immediate feedback and genuine skill development that no app can replicate. Physical hobbies like gardening, cooking, or crafts provide tangible results and accomplishment that digital activities rarely match.
Conclusion
Digital Simplicity isn't about returning to the pre-digital age—it's about thoughtfully integrating technology into a life well-lived. In a world designed to fracture your attention, choosing to be intentional about your digital tools becomes a radical act of self-determination.
The goal isn't to use less technology for its own sake, but to use technology in service of what you actually care about. When you're clear about your values and ruthless about protecting your attention, you create space for deep thinking, meaningful relationships, and purposeful action that comprise a fulfilling life. As Richard Sajiun advises: "Always be aware of the importance of balance in your daily life. Maintaining balance (physical, spiritual and mental) will undoubtedly shape your future self."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I start with digital Simplicity if I feel completely overwhelmed? A: Begin with one small change rather than attempting a complete digital overhaul. Start by turning off non-essential notifications or designate the first 30 minutes of your morning as phone-free time. Success comes from building sustainable habits gradually.
Q: Can I practice digital Simplicity if my job requires constant connectivity? A: Professional requirements don't negate digital Simplicity principles. Focus on creating clear boundaries between professional and personal digital use. Use separate devices when possible, and establish specific times for checking work communications.
Q: What should I do with the extra time I gain from reducing digital distractions? A: Invest in activities that align with your core values. Consider analog hobbies like reading physical books, learning instruments, cooking, or crafts. Prioritize face-to-face relationships and use time for reflection through journaling or meditation.