The Analog Life

There is a worthwhile piece in the New York Times today about the power of downshifting your digital life to an analog one. The article is by Cal Newport, who's newest book, Digital Minimalism, is a handy guide to reducing your reliance on Internet 2.0.

In today's piece, Newport describes his request for a group of volunteers to reduce their screen time. He finds that the volunteer pool is larger than expected, and that the benefits of reduced digital time include myriad analog benefits, from more intential learning to greater real-world social contact.

I think its interesting that Newport points out "there is no downside" to this digital diet, but he doesn't go one step further, and point out that there is a very serious downside to the digital life. Of course, he hints at it when he mentions that, among the youngest and most e-addicted, the benefits of an analog life appeared to be the most profound.

You can read more of Newport's pierce in today's Times by following this link to the complete article.