Counterproductive Environments

Our environment shapes our behavior. And so if we're wanting to stop eating junk food, then we should avoid bringing it into our homes in the first place. Other solutions are to hide the foods we don't want to see; out of sight, out of mind.

Working online, I am increasingly aware of how my digital environment shapes my behavior. Digital minimalism is something I have flirted with for a long time, but like any addiction, I really struggle to break this social media habit.

Since having a break from social media, I’ve stopped reading as much. I’ve also spent more time wasted than I’d like to admit. I’ve gone from one account on social platforms to two. Five accounts across Instagram and Twitter alone. Then there is discord.

It’s starting to dawn on me that I’m getting older and that the choices I make now will shape my future. It feels like a good time to review my relationship with social media and consider how I use it and for what benefits.

Cal Newport talks about maximizing the benefits of these platforms where possible and avoiding the downsides. There has to be a way to not let these things get the best of me.