Mindful Tech Glossary - Terms for Digital Minimalists

Dive into the mindful tech glossary, a valuable guide for understanding the language of digital minimalism. Whether you're new to these ideas or looking to expand your knowledge, this digital minimalism glossary provides essential terms for a balanced approach to technology and intentional living.

Equip yourself with insights from Life Beyond Tech and make more mindful choices in your tech journey. Let this mindful tech glossary be your starting point to embrace a life that prioritizes purpose and intentional digital habits.

Non-digital tools and devices used to perform tasks traditionally done by digital means, such as notebooks, film cameras, and vinyl records.
The business model that treats human attention as a scarce commodity and seeks to capture it through various digital means.
The overwhelming feeling caused by the excessive use of multiple applications, often leading to stress and decreased productivity.
A state of physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often exacerbated by constant digital engagement.
The accumulation of unnecessary or excessive digital or physical items that can cause stress and reduce productivity.
Making mindful choices about the digital content and technology one engages with to minimize distractions and enhance well-being.
The total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory, often increased by multitasking with digital devices.
Focused, uninterrupted work on a task that requires significant cognitive effort, leading to improved productivity and quality.
A period of time during which a person refrains from using digital devices to reduce stress and improve mental health.
A philosophy that encourages intentional use of technology, focusing on tools and content that add significant value to one's life.
The state of a healthy relationship with technology, where digital use enhances rather than detracts from overall quality of life.
A basic mobile phone with limited features compared to a smartphone, often used to reduce distractions and promote minimal tech usage.
An environment where a person only encounters information or opinions that reflect and reinforce their own.
A lifestyle philosophy that prioritizes the pursuit of the most important tasks and activities, eliminating the non-essential.
A setting or app feature that limits distractions by blocking notifications and access to certain apps or websites.
The anxiety that arises from the belief that others are having more fun or experiencing better things than you are, often fueled by social media.
A phone or device setting that changes the display to black and white, reducing the appeal of visually stimulating apps.
The process of developing new behaviors through repetition and consistency, often used to build healthier digital habits.
The state of being constantly connected to digital networks, often leading to decreased productivity and increased stress.

A rigorous approach to email management that aims to keep the inbox empty or nearly empty at all times.
The state of being overwhelmed by the amount of information one is exposed to, particularly through digital channels.
The pleasure derived from opting out of social activities or digital engagements to enjoy personal time and solitude.
The equilibrium between different aspects of life, including work, leisure, and personal time, enhanced by mindful digital use.
A lifestyle choice that minimizes the use of high-tech devices in favor of simpler, more traditional ways of doing things.
The practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment, often enhanced by reducing digital distractions.
The attempt to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, often leading to decreased productivity and increased cognitive load.
The fear of being without a mobile phone or losing the phone signal.
The state of being disconnected from the internet or digital networks, often used to enhance focus and reduce distractions.
Issues related to the collection, storage, and use of personal data by digital devices and online services, important for mindful tech use.
A time management method that uses a timer to break work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.
Restarting a digital device to refresh its system, often used metaphorically to signify taking a break to refresh oneself.
Performing job duties from a location outside the traditional office environment, often facilitated by digital tools.
The amount of time spent using devices with screens such as smartphones, computers, and televisions.
Designated areas where the use of digital devices is prohibited to encourage focus and personal interaction.
Having a good knowledge and understanding of modern technology, especially computers and the internet.
The act of disconnecting from digital devices to engage in non-digital activities and interactions.
The balance that an individual needs between time allocated for work and other aspects of life, achieved by managing digital use effectively.
A philosophy and lifestyle that emphasizes simplicity, mindfulness, and the reduction of distractions to achieve inner peace and productivity.