As the world gets more hyperconnected and our collective dependence on digital devices reaches feverish proportions, it’s easy to get caught in the endless loop of notifications, social media, and constant digital engagement. However, a growing movement called Digital Minimalism encourages individuals to intentionally reduce screen time and digital clutter, leading to a more fulfilling, focused, and balanced life.

Digital minimalists prioritize meaningful digital interactions, declutter their online spaces, and embrace technology to enhance their real-world experiences, rather than detract from them.

What is Digital Minimalism?

Digital Minimalism is a philosophy where technology is used deliberately, not as a constant distraction. It involves cutting down on unnecessary apps, social media, and devices to focus on activities that truly matter. Instead of using technology passively or out of habit, digital minimalists engage with it mindfully to gain control over their digital needs and not become slaves to it. The goal is not to reject technology entirely but to ensure it serves a purpose and enriches life.

The Impact of Digital Clutter

Many of us feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of digital content we encounter daily—emails, texts, notifications, and endless scrolling. This digital overload can have several negative effects:

Decreased mental clarity: Constant engagement with digital devices makes it difficult to focus on tasks, leading to reduced productivity and mental exhaustion.

Strained relationships: Over-reliance on screens often reduces meaningful face-to-face interactions, which can weaken personal relationships and limit deep connections.

Diminished life satisfaction: Mindless browsing or scrolling through social media can lead to comparison, anxiety, and a feeling of missing out, all of which negatively impact life satisfaction.

Also Read: What Do You Know About Postpartum Hair Loss?

Steps to Embrace Digital Minimalism

Conduct a Digital Declutter

Start by evaluating your digital habits and identifying areas that create clutter or unnecessary distractions. Delete unused apps, unfollow accounts that don’t inspire or educate you, and clean out your inbox.

Set Screen Time Limits
Many devices have built-in features to help monitor screen time. Set boundaries on how long you can spend on specific apps or on your phone each day. You can also designate specific “phone-free” times like during meals, conversations, or before bed.

Prioritize Intentional Tech Use
Use technology purposefully. Instead of opening your phone out of boredom or habit, make a conscious decision to use it for something specific. For example, if you open Instagram, set a goal like catching up with a friend rather than mindlessly scrolling.

Create Tech-Free Zones
Designate areas in your home, like the bedroom or dining table, as tech-free zones to encourage real-world interactions and promote relaxation away from screens.

Rediscover Analog Activities
Reconnect with non-digital hobbies such as reading physical books, journaling, cooking, or spending time in nature. These activities can offer a greater sense of fulfillment and mindfulness than digital ones.

Practice a Digital Sabbath
Set aside one day a week (or a few hours a day) when you completely disconnect from digital devices. This practice gives your mind a break from the constant stimulation of the digital world and allows you to fully engage with offline experiences.

Benefits of Digital Minimalism
Improved Mental Clarity and Focus
When you reduce digital distractions, you can concentrate better on tasks and hobbies, leading to enhanced creativity and productivity. A decluttered digital life means fewer interruptions and more space for deep work and reflection.

Stronger Relationships
Cutting down on screen time allows for more genuine connections with friends, family, and partners. By being present in conversations and spending quality time together, you strengthen emotional bonds.

Increased Life Satisfaction
Engaging more mindfully with technology helps combat feelings of comparison and inadequacy that can arise from social media. Instead, digital minimalists focus on activities and relationships that bring real joy and satisfaction.

More Time for Meaningful Activities
By eliminating mindless scrolling and excessive screen time, digital minimalism frees up time for hobbies, exercise, and activities that contribute to personal growth and well-being.

Better Sleep and Reduced Stress
Limiting screen time, especially before bed, can improve sleep quality. Moreover, a life with fewer digital distractions often means less mental overload and stress, promoting overall wellness.

Following weeks of controversy surrounding her participation in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant, Chidimma Adetshina has agreed to run for the Miss Universe Nigeria title.

The 23-year-old model, who was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, withdrew from Miss South Africa “for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I” after a backlash that brought anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa to the fore.

Organizers of the Miss Nigeria Universe contest immediately invited Chidimma Adetshina to join their final on August 31, saying it was a chance to “represent your father’s native land on an international stage”.

“Thank you so much for this opportunity, and I look forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant, Miss Universe Nigeria,” Adetshina replied in a video on Instagram.

The social media backlash centered on her father’s nationality, despite South Africa granting citizenship by birth to anyone born in the country after 1995 to a South African parent or permanent resident.
As the controversy attracted the attention of government ministers and other figures, the home ministry launched an investigation that ultimately raised questions about the nationality of Adetshina’s mother, who was reported to be a South African of Mozambican descent.

It uncovered “prima facie indications” that her mother might have stolen the identity of a South African woman, the ministry said, adding it was obtaining legal advice on the implications for her citizenship.

The saga exposed anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa which has witnessed violent, and at times deadly, attacks on immigrants and led to accusations of “Afrophobia” against citizens from elsewhere on the continent.

It also fanned rivalry between the netizens of Africa’s two economic powerhouses.

South Africans did not appreciate the reaction of Nigerian afrobeat superstar, Burna Boy, when the eventual winner of Miss South Africa was announced on August 10 as a white woman, Mia le Roux.

“So after all that …” he posted on X with laughing emojis.

Peter Okoye of P-Square, a Nigerian music duo has written to his brother, Paul Okoye, aka ‘Rudeboy’ over what he described as false claims and lies against him to turn their fans against him.

The P-Square brothers, who first parted ways in 2017 over a disagreement involving their elder brother, Jude Okoye, reunited in 2021, much to the delight of their fans.
However, their reunion was short-lived as Paul recently confirmed the group’s split once again, alleging that Peter was responsible for his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Peter Square wrote:

“My dear brother Paul, just like I have told you several times, I am not in any competition with you or anybody else. However, seeing you grant countless interviews where you constantly discredit my efforts in the group that we both created and built together really speaks volumes.

“In your recent interviews, you claimed that you wrote and sang 99% of all P-SQUARE songs and discredited me by saying that our song with TI “EjeaJo,” which I wrote, was a failure. You went as far as using the YouTube views to discredit me again.

“You never acknowledged the other songs like “Get-Squared,” “Bizzy Body,” “Personally,” “Roll It,” “Temptation,” “Alingo,” “More than a Friend,” “Shekini,” “Say Your Love,” “Gimme Dat,” “Senorita,” “IGBEdu,” and a few others. Were these songs also considered failures as well?

“Every time I have spoken in interviews about P-SQUARE, I have always used “we” and “us” because I saw us as a team. But whenever you speak, it’s always “I” and “me,” even when I’m standing right beside you. It’s as if I never existed.”

“One thing you need to understand clearly is that the fans didn’t fall in love with P-SQUARE because of who sang or danced the most. What made us special was the magic that came from our combined effort – us two! P-SQUARE was a force, and the fans fell in love with P-SQUARE because of our uniqueness and unity.

“We both have talent, no doubt, and I have often praised you in our interviews for your songwriting ability. I have also praised anyone who has ever written a song for us or even for me as Mr. P. But instead of showing gratitude for my kind words, you seem to find satisfaction in rubbing it in my face, forgetting that it is by God’s grace that we have come this far.”

Peter noted that Paul instead of teaming up with him to reclaim their number 1 spot in the music industry, he “chose to team up with Jude to claim the number 1 spot in the P-SQUARE group, always looking for opportunities to marginalize and humiliate me”.

He said, “You are always claiming to be P-SQUARE’s songwriter, composer, producer, singer, backup vocalist you are everything including P-SQUARE’s video director, band, promoter, manager, and even the choreographer. You are the Author and Finisher of P-SQUARE! I dash you 100% of everything instead of the 99% you claim.

“I blame myself for not responding to your tweet claims in April 2015 that you wrote and sang all of P-SQUARE’s songs. I didn’t respond to these false claims for the sake of peace, as advised by family and friends, and now I am paying dearly for it.

“So, my brother, let me ask you: Is Rudeboy or Mr P bigger and more successful than P-SQUARE today? Are we individually selling out arenas and stadiums like P-SQUARE used to? Are we topping world music charts with our songs as solo artists?”

“Do we command crowds and entertain massive audiences like P-SQUARE,” he questioned.

He said, “I often find myself wondering, what do you truly gain by constantly disrespecting and belittling me all the time. You have disrespected my wife, disrespected my family, disrespected my talent, disrespected my ideas, and even sided with Jude when he was trying to oppress me.

“Now, it feels like you have taken it even further by trying so hard to turn the fans against me by making them believe I’m jealous of you.

“You have been doing everything for the fans to hate me, but guess what? They will never hate me; instead, they will hate us both because we have disappointed and failed them.

“I hope you are happy now. I genuinely wish you nothing but the best, bro! As for those who believe these lies and false narratives and come to my page to drop negative comments, I understand because you have been fed the wrong narrative for a long time.”

He also criticized Paul for aligning with Jude, suggesting that the family dynamic had played a significant role in the group’s troubles. “You have disrespected my wife, disrespected my family, disrespected my talent, disrespected my ideas, and even sided with Jude when he was trying to oppress me.

He ended by wishing his brother well, but also underscored the gravity of the situation, lamenting how the group’s once-stellar reputation had been diminished.