Beware of multi-purpose tools

In the physical world, adopting minimalism means prioritising quality over quantity. In doing so, we seek items that serve multiple purposes, aiming to maximise utility while minimising the physical footprint.

How does this philosophy translate into the technology/information realm? — Not so fucking well.

Here, multipurpose tools encompass devices, software, and services.

Devices like phones or tablets act as hubs for various functions—music player, camera, navigation aid, e-reader (becoming a ubiquitous gateway to the internet rabbit hole)
Software, such as Microsoft Teams, consolidating calendar management, file storage, chat, and other apps, serving as an omnipresent distraction for work management
Services like Amazon offer a comprehensive shopping hub, covering everything from A to Z and acting as a pervasive gateway to consumerism.

Initially, these digital tools enter our lives as novelties, promising convenience by excelling at multiple tasks—an apparent upgrade to our daily existence. However, as we delve deeper into their capabilities, these tools can transform from enhancements to potential downgrades, turning us into mindless beings distracted by the myriad options. They become essential utilities that are challenging to discard (or so we believe).

Perhaps, in technology world, single-purpose tools prove superior, especially for those directly interacting with us. For example, using an e-reader dedicated to books rather than a multifunctional phone or tablet, or opting for health monitoring devices without extravagant displays like smartwatches.

It's crucial to be wary of anything in the technology world promising to perform multiple functions. Such promises can create a fantasy, and if embraced without intentionality, we risk trading quality for addiction, distraction, and compulsory consumption — poisoned apple.

This quote by Patrick Rhone sums it up:

We think we need those things because we have been told we need those things. We have been told we need those things by our society. It has been this kind of slow little thing that’s just kind of trickled in, and suddenly, it becomes the thing you do.