Digital Minimalism Flashcards

Digital Minimalism

A philosophy of technology use where one intentionally limits use of digital tools to ensure alignment with personal goals and values.

Autonomy

The capacity for self-governance-acting in accordance with one-s own rational goals and values.

Rational Agency

The ability to set and pursue goals based on reason; central to autonomy and dignity in Kantian ethics.

Imperfect Duty in Kantian Ethics

A moral obligation to adopt certain ends (e.g., cultivating talents or protecting autonomy), with flexibility in how it's fulfilled.

Perfect Duty

A strict moral prohibition (e.g., don-t lie or commit suicide) that admits no exceptions.

Ethical Theory of the Article

Kantian ethics, particularly the idea that rational nature (humanity) has intrinsic value (dignity) and must be respected.

Formula of Humanity from Kant

Always treat humanity, whether in yourself or others, as an end, never merely as a means.

Duties to Ourselves in Kant

Because we must respect our own autonomy just as we respect others'.

why is autonomy valuable

It has dignity: it-s objective, unconditional, and nonfungible.

Hook Cycle in App Design

A four-part loop: Trigger - Action - Variable Reward - Investment; used to make apps habit-forming.

Threats to Autonomy from Smartphones

They cause compulsive behaviors that conflict with one-s long-term goals and weaken executive function.

Smartphone Addiction vs Other Addictions

Smartphone addiction uniquely disrupts attention and cognition constantly throughout the day.

Technological Heteronomy

Being controlled by technology in a way that overrides one-s own rational agency.

Esther Povitsky's Example

That smartphone use can override intentions (like reading) and reflects a loss of autonomy.

Harms Associated with Smartphone Use

Anxiety, depression, poor sleep, impaired relationships, shorter attention spans, and lower academic performance.

Compulsive Phone Use relating to Desires

Users often have lower-order desires to check phones that conflict with higher-order desires (e.g., to focus on reading).

Main Conclusion of the Article

We have a moral (imperfect) duty to practice digital minimalism in order to protect our rational agency.

Other Ethical Theories Supporting Digital Minimalism

consequentialism, virtue ethics, and egoism also value autonomy and would support reducing harmful digital use.

Why Digital Minimalism is a Moral Issue

Because failing to protect our rational agency disrespects our own dignity and violates a duty to ourselves.