Digital sobriety

Digital technology represents 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Operationally, the carbon footprint of digital technology can be divided into three levels:

• digital devices and services manufacturing
• energy consumption of network infrastructure
• use of digital devices

To limit this global impact, several avenues can be explored. On the level of manufacturing, eco-design, extending the lifespan of digital devices, and promoting their recycling are important considerations. In terms of the impact of usage, there is a strong need to regulate it to avoid rebound effects, and to associate the digitalization with an energy transition that will decarbonize energy consumption and associated resources.

How can we create useful and sustainable digital tools? What incentives can be implemented to promote the use of second-hand equipment as an alternative to new devices? How can energy distribution for digital usage be optimized both spatially and temporally?

More and more companies and organizations are focusing on the resilience of their information systems. This approach includes considering environmental issues in the launch and management of digital projects. It is about changing the approach and usage of technology for each organization, regardless of its size, by expanding decision criteria beyond short-term or medium-term return on investment.

These choices can be made at the level of the devices (such as the widespread use of dual SIM pro/personal phones) as well as the use and consumption of data (such as storing data on a shared local platform and minimizing the use of cloud storage platforms).

What equipment should be used within the information system? Which decision-making business functions should be involved in the deployment of eco-digital practices? How can employees be involved in implementing frugality on a daily basis?

Our individual lifestyles are becoming compulsively digitized, as underlined by increasing popularity of trends like self-driving cars, virtual worlds (such as the metaverse), the growing enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies, and the widespread use of applications and social networks. This trend is associated with significant risks, including sedentary behavior, psychological and attention disorders, and, worryingly, a potential inability to change these practices. Indeed, a large portion of actors have built their business models on the attention economy, which relies on advertising and data sales to monopolize users’ attention and promote excessive consumption.

In this context, the levers for digital sobriety involve promoting genuine digital hygiene involving individuals and organizations. This includes regular data cleaning, raising awareness among users about the risks associated with “over-connection,” and, most importantly, regulating the modalities of consuming digital content. Regarding the latter point, it is necessary to rethink the monopolies held by Big Tech platforms and regulate the design and dissemination of algorithms that capture users’ attention or create filter bubbles that isolate them.

How can we preserve the benefits of digital technology at the individual level and protect against associated risks? What prevention and awareness strategies should be implemented? At what scales should these actions be taken?