As part of my journey into digital minimalism, I’ve been cutting back on my screen time to improve my health and overall lifestyle. One way of doing this is by using more primitive devices, such as the radio. This approach allows me to enjoy the benefits of technology minus the distractions.
Growing up, my experience with the radio was limited to car rides and visits to my grandparents’ house. I never needed a radio because I grew up with MP3 players and smartphones. With every song at my fingertips, why would I ever use the radio? A couple of months ago, I bought a portable radio to help disconnect myself from the Internet at night. Up until this point, I had never purchased a radio in my life. Now, twenty-something years in, I’m sitting at home unboxing ancient technology. To my surprise, the unveiling was charming.
I purchased a Daihatsu D-RK3 because of its compact, minimal design, and reasonable price tag. The antenna extends quite far, and the interface consists of a volume knob, a tuning knob, and a frequency switch. When I turned the radio on, the LED indicators helped me tune to a strong signal. With the tuning knob, I can quickly scroll through several stations. The sound had that classic static associated with the good old days. I couldn’t believe such sorcery. This device with no screen, no Wi-Fi, and no data can play music and live podcasts for free? While using the radio, I discovered five key benefits that align with a minimalist lifestyle.
1. No Blue Light From Screens
Many devices emit blue light from their screens, negatively affecting our sleep. When the brain detects blue light, it suppresses the release of melatonin, a hormone that tells our body it’s time to sleep. Therefore, our phones and computers change our circadian rhythms, making it harder to fall asleep. Blue light also affects the quality of your sleep. Without a screen to emit blue light, the radio becomes a healthy option for relaxing at night.
2. Disconnected From The Internet
Normally, the devices we use to listen to music or podcasts are connected to the Internet. This constant connectivity eventually tempts us to scroll mindlessly, binging YouTube at 2:00 a.m. With the radio, you cannot multitask—you can only listen to the radio. This is a great way to step away from the constant flow of information. In the middle of the night, I cannot grab my radio and browse Reddit. My radio cannot bombard me with work emails or push notifications.
3. Less Hands-on: Embracing Simplicity
When you’re listening to music on Spotify and don’t like a song, you can skip. You can jump from one podcast episode to another. This endless choice consumes us. Because of the abundance, we feel inclined to be pleased all the time. We cannot commit to something, so we fidget with forward buttons and search bars compulsively. Our tolerance is so low that we spend more time searching for content instead of accepting what’s there. I cannot skip songs on the radio. I can switch stations, but there’s a limited selection. I’m forced to accept whatever is playing, and honestly, it’s freeing. I just place my radio on my coffee table, find an adequate station, and call it a day. I can be more present.
4. Regulations to Protect Listeners
Anyone can grab a microphone and start a podcast on Spotify. The upside of alternative media is its ease of access thanks to the Internet. The downside is the increasing spread of misinformation and overtly polarized content. Most countries require broadcasters to follow legitimate content guidelines, and if they spread misinformation, they risk losing their license and facing legal consequences. Knowing that the radio is done live, and under certain guidelines, provides a sense of reliability and transparency that makes consuming content straightforward.
5. History and Nostalgia
People got their news from the radio before they got it from the telvision and the Internet. This piece of technology has seen world wars, changes in the rights of minorities, and important events of the 21st century. When listening to the radio, I feel like I’m connected to previous generations, like I’m a part of history. The static sound from the speaker and the changes in signal strength make me want to cuddle under a blanket with a cup of coffee on a snowy day. The radio reminds me of a time when life was simple. Kids would play outside and families would have dinner together.
Tuning Out
I’m quite happy with my radio purchase. This device has simplified my life and reduced my overall screen time significantly. Now I wonder what other primitive devices can improve my lifestyle. I’ve thought of replacing my Spotify subscription with an old-fashion MP3 player and moving away from streaming services altogether. I’ve also thought of starting a physical DVD collection for my favourite movies and tv shows. Digital minimalism isn’t about avoiding technology completely but rather finding what’s essential to you. If you’re looking for a way to reduce your screen time, I recommend experimenting with the radio. Buy a cheap one to start, and if you appreciate the benefits like I did, you can always upgrade to a nicer model in the future.