People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast

PPP 484 | Coping with Digital Overwhelm Without Logging Off, with author Craig Mattson

Nov 21, 2025

Craig Mattson, a professor of communication and author of 'Digital Overwhelm,' discusses coping with modern work's pressures. He introduces the concept of 'digiwhelm,' emphasizing digital flexibility over detoxing. Craig explains the importance of mode switching versus context switching, and how to approach emails as conversations to foster better communication. He highlights the role of nonverbal signals like silence and gestures in conveying messages, and shares practical family practices for managing digital demands. Tune in for insights that enhance clarity and calm in a tech-heavy world!

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INSIGHT

Prefer Digital Flexibility Over Detox

Instead of digital minimalism, favor digital flexibility that accepts persistent platform dependence.
Humans are naturally 'users and switchers of modes' and should cultivate mode agility.

INSIGHT

Digiwhelm Holds Positive And Negative Value

'Digiwhelm' captures both positive and negative overwhelm, unlike 'overload' which feels purely negative.
Overwhelm can include awe, not just exhaustion, so name the feeling intentionally.

INSIGHT

Choose What Overwhelms You

You cannot eliminate overwhelm; you can choose what overwhelms you and 'overwhelm better.'
Decide what will define your overwhelm rather than letting tech define it.

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Summary

In this episode, Andy talks with Dr. Craig Mattson, professor of communication and author of Digital Overwhelm: A Mid-Career Guide to Coping at Work. Rather than encouraging digital detoxing or escaping technology, Craig offers a refreshing way to understand and navigate the pressures of modern work. He introduces the idea of digiwhelm, explains why so much of our stress comes from the communication modes we inhabit, and shows how leaders can respond with intention rather than overload.

You will hear Craig describe why email can be more than information transfer, how mode switching differs from context switching, and why one-way communication sometimes matters more than dialogue. Craig also shares why signals like silence, gestures, and tone often communicate more than words. Before closing, he draws connections to life at home, offering ideas for families that feel overwhelmed by devices and demands.

If you are looking for practical insights to reduce digital overwhelm, improve communication, and lead with greater clarity and calm, this episode is for you!

Sound Bites

"Instead of digital minimalism, I recommend something like digital flexibility."
"Humans are essentially users and switchers of modes."
"What is going to be the defining overwhelm of my life?"
"You are always overwhelmed by something."
"Flexibility is the wisdom that my book is urging."
"Your words do things."
"Think about the voice of the email."
"A mode is an approach, it is a posture, it is a way of relating."
"Is there a way in which this is actually good for me and actually good for other people?"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:33 Start of Interview
01:42 Early Life and Influences
02:57 Growing Up with Technology
04:11 What is Digiwhelm?
06:26 How Does It Compare to Overload?
08:35 The Impact of a David Ford Quote
10:34 Understanding Mode Switching
16:20 A Day in Communication Modes
22:04 Email as Conversation
24:29 Writing Email Like You Talk
27:24 Dissemination in Practice
32:00 Signals Leaders Should Notice
39:00 Coping with Digiwhelm at Home
43:04 End of Interview
43:44 Andy Comments After the Interview
48:14 Outtakes

Learn More

You can learn more about Craig and his work at DigitalOverwhelm.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

Episode 144 with Cal Newport. Craig references Cal's book Deep Work in Digital Overwhelm, making this a great companion conversation.
Episode 269 with Nir Eyal, about his book Indistractable. Nir shares insights about shaping your day to be less distracted.
Episode 377 with Cassie Holmes, about her book Happier Hour. It is not only about managing your time but focusing on what really matters.

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Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Digital Overwhelm, Leadership, Communication, Project Management, Email Effectiveness, Team Culture, Listening Skills, Collaboration, Productivity, Decision Making, Stakeholder Engagement, Psychological Safety

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Energetic Drive Indie Rock by WinnieTheMoog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license