Distractions are everywhere, but avoidable with effort

By Colin M. Prenger ’11
The ROUNDUP

It is late at night, and you are just starting an essay due the next morning, but your buddy just sent you a hilarious video on YouTube.

All of a sudden you are caught in the endless list of “other viewers watched this.”

One, two and then three hours fly by.

At some point or another, many students, including myself, have experienced this awful situation to some degree.

We are all human, and every once in a while we can easily become distracted with these electronic boxes and glowing screens that we stare at all day in school.

However, there is a happy medium between using technology for proper purposes, and using technology to the point where it stresses us out.

In an interview with Head Athletic Trainer and PE/Health Department Chair Mr. Chris White, he was very persistent with the idea that students should set boundaries when using technology.

It is true; some students on campus cannot detach their eyes and fingers from their computer, iPod or phone for one second.

Light a firecracker off near a gaming freshman – he may never flinch, unless he is playing Grand Theft Auto and thinks he is being shot at.

Sometimes I find myself distracted simply because homework cannot compete with the incredible amount of games, media and social networking opportunities presented on the Internet.

“Certainly the distractions are much more creative and broad with a computer in front of you versus paper,” said Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Mr. Seamus Walsh.

Technology has several advantages, though.

When used properly, it can improve a student’s efficiency and organization, according to Mr. White.

What is a solution to stress caused by technology?

The key here is moderation.

I give you my full permission to go on YouTube or your favorite site for a few minutes to get your mind off of something pressing, but use self-control to know when to stop and get back to work.

The tempting offer to put off an essay for another hour by going on Facebook, Twitter or chat rooms is one that I find myself falling into, but for the sake of productivity, we must avoid this plague.

Simply use your computer to do homework, and once you are finished, shut it down and go do something else that you enjoy.