Transforming Digital Habits: From Addiction to Minimalism with Havard Mela

The Cyber Business Podcast

In this episode of the Cyber Business podcast, host Matthew Connor speaks with Havard Mela, author of "Digital Discipline: Choosing Life in the Digital Age of Excess." Havard shares his personal journey of overcoming excessive digital consumption and how it negatively impacted his life, leading him to write the book. They discuss the addictive nature of digital content, particularly social media, and its effect on dopamine levels, likening it to substance addiction. Havard emphasizes the importance of conscious digital usage, drawing a parallel to the discipline required in other areas like diet and exercise. They explore how in-person interactions release oxytocin, fostering genuine social connections and happiness, unlike online interactions, which can feel empty and unfulfilling. Havard explains that excessive digital use, especially among younger generations, can impair social skills and increase social anxiety. To combat this, he advocates for gradual habit changes, such as setting specific times for device-free activities and removing non-essential notifications to reduce constant dopamine spikes. This episode also touches on the significance of redefining self-identity to facilitate habit changes. Havard shares his experience of adopting a digital minimalist mindset, which helped him cut down on screen time and engage in more productive and fulfilling activities. This shift not only improved his social skills but also transformed him from an introvert to an extrovert. The episode concludes with practical advice on building self-control and the benefits of introspection and deep reflection to achieve meaningful lifestyle changes.