I continued on reading Cal Newport - Digital Minimalism.
The algorithm to decide which tool to use and how to use it boils down to:
- Does this tech directly support one deep value?
- Is this tech the best way to support this value?
If both are a "Yes", then go to:
- How can I use it to maximize the value and minimize the harm?
If one is "No", go back to start and think about something else.
Examples:
I have the deep value to stay connected with friend X.
The tech I want to choose: WhatsApp.
- Does this tech directly support one deep value? Yes.
- Is this tech the best way to support this value? Probably not, it's privacy invasive, uses some dark patterns and increases a monopoly.
The alternative: Calling.
- Does this tech directly support one deep value? Yes.
- Is this tech the best way to support this value? Probably yes, because it's more intense than just texting and I just need like 15min each 2 weeks. There are probably no dark patterns and the telecommunication market is not a monopoly (at least in germany).
Because it's not just black and white, we could also add "meeting in real life".
In the end this is about being very intentional about the tech.
I don't have to ditch WhatsApp completely, but being more intentional about my usage makes a lot of sense to me.