Simplifying Technology as an Abundant Minimalist

“Less mental clutter means more mental resources available for deep thinking.” —Dr. Cal Newport from Deep Work

Introduction:

After the COVID-19 pandemic, we are using technology for almost everything. Technology promises us endless information and tools to make our work easy. However, this abundance in technology feels like a burden slowing us down. Some of us may heavily depend on technology making it harder to focus on what truly is important to achieve. Accepting the vast possibilities of technology should be intentional and selective— meaning choosing what is essential for daily use. It is not about rejecting abundance— it is about navigating it with clarity and intention. As modern technology gets better, we are offered with more features, updates, and better content. However, it often leads to laziness, decision fatigue, low attention span, and forming superficial connections. Abundant minimalists need to use fewer technological devices, prioritize excellence over breadth, and focus on clarity and the desired outcomes. This essay examines how simplifying technology as an abundant minimalist can help students enhance their productivity and attention in academics and work.

Attention Residue:

Social media is designed with algorithms that are supposed to keep us interrupted and engaged on the platform resulting in attention residue. According to Dr. Sophie Leroy, attention residue is when your brain continues to process thoughts from a previous task or interruption while you are trying to focus on a new one (Attention Residue – Business – UW Bothell, n.d.). When we are constantly switching between tasks such as work, social media, watching videos and then going back to work, our brains become slow and the task seems more daunting resulting in low productivity and low concentration. Becoming a minimalist is using technology is beneficial to us because it serves as cognitive preservation. Minimalist technological design attempts to reduce cognitive load by eliminating unnecessary technological stimuli resulting in intellectual efficiency.

Principles for Simplifying Technology

Define Your Intentions

Why am I buying the device? Does it get me closer to my results? If not, then do not get it because it is clutter and time-consuming to maintain. During my time in high school it was trendy to have a Polaroid camera to take pictures during Senior Sunrise. However, is it worth the hassle and money to buy special printing paper although the device itself is inexpensive? No, for me it was not. If I really wanted a Polaroid style photo, I took it with my smartphone. Then I would go to a photo center at a retail store and print it on the photo paper and cut out the extra sides looking just like a Polaroid picture. I have no regrets not owning a Polaroid Camera and I am grateful not having to spend money on it.

Curate like a Minimalist

Audit your digital devices. Delete unused or distracting apps. Get rid of useless subscriptions, minimize social media and connect more in real time with people. Clear your email and unsubscribe from newsletters that do not serve you a purpose or take you away from achieving your goals. Items that remain on your main home screen on any device may become distractions due to notification systems that appear on your screen, promotional emails, and streaming applications. For me, there were moments where I did not have the time or did not find anything interesting to watch so I cancelled my subscription. Moreover, I unsubscribed from their emails so that I did not waste time in my email app or was checking out the new show which maybe was not of interest for me at all. Furthermore, for tools, try to use free applications provided by Apple if you are using Apple devices and free apps which are simple to use and help you achieve your specific academic or work goals.

Design Obstacles in Technology to get Disconnected

Adding small barriers like focus modes, turning off unnecessary notifications or setting time limits on distracting apps and websites can protect our attention. Technology is endless but our attention span is limited. As humans we are lazy. When we are in the middle of doing something important and we feel like going on distracting apps like social media, after thinking about the obstacles such as our phone being in another room or if the app is removed from the home screen, we will assess the challenges. At first, we will not disturb our work to check the phone or open the app but will stay focused on the current task.

Some devices I use

As a college student, I needed the iPad for writing lecture notes. I utilized the Notability app subscription to collect my notes and generate quizzes. Later I switched to Notes where you can write as well. Another app called Freeform from Apple can be used to design and write notes. I like the iPad for its portability. The iPad has its limitations like programming apps are difficult to use on it . For advanced work you need a computer.

Secondly, I have a MacBook Air and as an abundant minimalist I do not need advanced features for my work. I utilize the Apple ecosystem for most of my technological devices. The MacBook Air can be used by students, young professionals and writers. The MacBook Pro is ideal for digital content creators. For most people, investing in a good laptop specific to your needs is enough to get by. As an abundant minimalist, I have four major folders on my desktop. I sub-organized my files in it with the Reminders widget with Important tasks. My Calendar widget has important dates and events right in front of me. Windows computers are ideal for computer programmers. Every individual has unique needs and before buying everyone should conduct their own research in choosing what to buy.

Thirdly, smartphones are becoming a basic multipurpose need in our lives. I have an iPhone 16 which meets all my necessities. I do not need the Plus, Pro or Pro Max because because the bigger it gets the more the battery is drained quickly. The basic iPhone meets all my needs. Bigger does not always mean better quality. When simplified, technology is a powerful tool. I deleted the YouTube app from my phone so that I could read more during my breaks at work. The only apps I have on my home screen are Gmail, Clock, Calendar, Phone, iMessage, Anki, Libby, Kindle and WhatsApp. The rest of the apps  are hidden in the app library. On my other screen of my phone, I have the Reminders widget. I do not have any tv or music apps as most of them need a subscription. Realistically speaking I am not a tv person.

I am a big fan of reading but I do not like to carry heavy books. My textbooks are in digital format as well. I love my Kindle e-reader as I can fit it in my pockets. Furthermore, I can use it for weeks without charging it. It uses E-ink display which acts as real paper with no harsh light like smartphones. I have the most basic version of the Amazon Kindle E-Reader. It forces me to read making it too difficult to use it for browsing, promoting reading with concentration. With the built-in dictionary I can quickly learn and access meaning of words I do not understand.

Conclusion

Simplifying technology as an abundant minimalist is not about restriction- it is about mindful consumption. It is a ruthless minimization process to remove what distracts so you can fully be aligned to achieve your goals. In today’s modern era, when you simplify technology, your attention becomes clearer. When our tools are intentional, our actions become more focused. Finally, when our digital environment is organized our energy is focused and we produce our most excellent work.

Works’ Cited:

Attention Residue – Business – UW Bothell. (n.d.). Www.uwb.edu. https://www.uwb.edu/business/faculty/sophie-leroy/attention-residue