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Many people experience an irresistible attraction to their social media accounts and apps. Time spent in the digital space has skyrocketed over the last decade, not only because of the fun and connection these tools provide, but also because the tools are designed to be addictive. Tech users increasingly notice a lack of control in opening the apps (even in the middle of conversations), an increase in "doom scrolling" through negative news stories, and newfound obsessions with emotionally charged discussions occurring online. These pastimes may leave you feeling more distracted, less happy, less in control, and less intentional about creating the life you want to lead. After writing the popular book Deep Work, Cal Newport began hearing from readers how distressed they were about technological distractions and their ability to drain meaning and satisfaction from their time spent at and away from work. In Digital Minimalism, Newport explores this idea and strategies that others suggest for overcoming their digital addictions. Ultimately, he finds that resolutions, willpower, and tech constraints aren't enough to solve the problem. Instead, he recommends adopting a philosophy of technology use to help you regain control and practices such as digital decluttering to become a budding digital minimalist.

How often do we open our inboxes with excitement? How frequently do we feel empowered by the work of sifting through our messages? More often, we look to our emails as a task to take on. The work doesn't make us happier, more productive, or more fulfilled. In fact, research shows that it has the opposite effect. In the New York Times best-seller A World Without Email, Georgetown University professor Cal Newport explores the role email holds in our lives, how it's claimed so much of our time, and why we allow it to take the place of more meaningful work. He shares principles that could point to a path forward--perhaps not one that's completely free from email, but one that uses new frameworks so email works for us rather than against us.