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The Art of Digital Boundaries: How to Protect Your Peace in a Noisy World
- Purple Lilac
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
In 2019, Cal Newport published a book called Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World. This publication explored the concept of setting personal boundaries in the digital realm and argued that having less digital exposure may lead to greater peace and improved productivity. The bibliophile in me believes that everyone who dares to engage with a digital device should read this book. In this brave new digital world we inhabit, we are still trying to figure out where the goalposts are, much like when authorities attempted to establish law and order in the Wild West. In those days, not understanding boundaries was a matter of life or death. The consequences of failing to grasp digital boundaries, while less severe, can still cause disruptions if we fail to recognize some important factors.
A World on Demand
Having the internet at our fingertips has made many tasks much easier. We can pay our bills online at 3 am, purchase groceries and pick them up without entering the store, watch our favourite TV shows anytime we want, and even find love without sitting in a seedy bar. This is great, but all these conveniences have come at a cost. In our on-demand world, we are slowly forgetting how to interact with each other in a dignified manner. Humans, like the internet, are suddenly expected to be available at all times. While I am no expert in psychology, I can make an educated guess and say that this is dangerous for our mental health.
The Boundary Setter
Last week, I had the opportunity to overhear a conversation between an elderly woman and a young person while visiting the library. In a loving and kind voice, the older woman was telling the young person that while she appreciates phone calls from him, perhaps calling at 7 am on a Sunday morning is not the best time, since her husband’s health is declining, and the phone disturbs his rest. Yes, of course, there is such a thing as silent mode on a cell phone, but let’s face it: many older people still use landlines, and others prefer not to silence their cell phones in case a loved one needs to reach them for an urgent matter. This wise woman was doing something that a lot of us have stopped doing or need to start doing. She was setting a boundary regarding her time with technology.
The Digital Detox
As someone who works in the digital world, I've learned the hard way how the internet affects my life. I quickly realized that boundaries are necessary if I am going to be of use to the clients we serve. Making small adjustments, such as taking regular breaks, stretching, listening to calming music, and at times learning to work in silence, has proven to be beneficial. Additionally, I embraced one of the biggest takeaways from Cal Newport’s book - knowing when to walk away. When my workday is finished, I am done with the internet. I engage in other activities like reading, knitting, and going for a walk in nature. Newport suggests that we are forgetting how to find joy in the things we used to do before the internet. By finding time in our day for a small “digital detox,” you may discover that your state of mind and productivity improve. I know mine has!
Final Thoughts
If you find the boundaries between your work life and the internet blurring, consider examining how you are using your time. Business owners want to give their best to their clients, and it is impossible to do that when you are not at your personal best. When we treat ourselves with the dignity we deserve, that kindness will extend to those around us, making the digital space a tool rather than something we can’t live without.
We’re here to help! If you are seeking resources on digital balance, you may want to check out these links:
Composed & Published by Heidi Hlubinová, April 14, 2025