Digital Minimalism
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A big month for privacy
January 28th saw Data Privacy Day come-and-go. The timing seems appropriate given the events that have unfolded since New Year:
-
WhatsApp controversy
More of a communications mess-up than anything truly nefarious, but a good opportunity to remind people of other messaging options and WhatsApp’s relationship with Facebook. -
iOS privacy labels
Apple have started forcing developers to display the data they collect through apps. The difference in between messaging apps is stark. Gmail have finally released theirs, too. -
Clubhouse’s contacts access
As Clubhouse gains popularity, their vague privacy practices are drawing increasing attention. TL;DR: Don’t allow access to your contacts until they clarify what’s happening with the data.
It’s not all bad news, though. Data Privacy Day saw the release of the Global Privacy Control, which could become a new standard for users to opt-out of data sharing.
There are extensions for Chrome, Brave, Microsoft Edge and Firefox. More info and instructions here.
Thinking
Early last year, I read Cal Newport’s Digital Minimalism and it completely changed my outlook on tech.
I wrote a review of my experiences of exploring digital minimalism. This is partly a personal reminder of the benefits but I hope it’s a useful insight for anyone interested in finding out more.
Digital minimalism is often misunderstood as removing all tech from your life, but that’s not it. Digital minimalism is about making tech work for you: getting the value you need without it ruling your life.
Some steps I’ve taken include:
- Finally deleting Facebook
- Unfollowing everyone and going list-based on Twitter
- Taking better notice of read receipts
- Removing social media apps on my phone
- Taking time to explore better apps
I’d highly recommend the book to anyone who feels they could benefit from resetting their relationship to tech.
Reading
Interesting links from the web.
Why I’m losing faith in UX
A great piece on the state of UX from Mark Hurst. As Xiang Chen summarised:
Decade 1: enable customers to do what they want to do
Decade 2: enable companies do what they want to do
Decade 3: enable customers to do what companies want them to do
Newsletters
Robin Rendle’s beautifully-designed essay on newsletters discusses why newsletters have overtaken blogs in the popularity stakes. An absolute must-read.
Since the essay’s publication, Twitter have bought/integrated Revue and HEY are considering launching their own newsletter/publication platform. Two developments that could have a big impact in this space.
Working
I’ve been fairly busy with client work, but I’m also working on a New Thing™ that will launch in the next few weeks.
Maybe by the next newsletter...
Interested in working together? I have availability from April.
If you have related links that might be of interest, or thoughts on any of these topics, I’d love to hear from you: just hit reply.
Until next time,
Dave