Too Much Time on the Internet (let Alone the Computer)
A College Student Observation
The Internet has become a new culprit in stealing time from a precious hours, minutes, and seconds of studying. Even if it is not the internet itself, the joy of surfing in high speeds and checking "Facebook" or "Yahoo" or "Gmail" E-Mail is what causes us to take a good amount of time AWAY from actually studying and learning something.
Of course people make the following excuses:
- I need to keep an eye on my E-Mail…I'm expecting an important message
- I want to know the sports scores
- I need to know the latest weather update
- I want to hear my favorite music
- I want to figure out who my favorite something or other was or is and what TV show he or she used to be on
- I need…neeed…need….and the list goes on!
And yes, we did the same thing to television. I need to see what is on…I may be missing my favorite show…oh, I need to see if I won the lottery!!
With the internet, it is easy for a college student to simply turn on the laptop or PC, and open up "Microsoft Word" in order to type up a paper, and then suddenly open up "Internet Explorer" or "FireFox," and say or think something like, "oh, it'll only take me a minute. What can it hurt. Plus, I need to see if I got an E-Mail or see if a website will help me with my 'research.'"
If this issue describes you to a tee, then there are many great options for you as follows:
(1) Turn off the computer. If you do not need it for the certain assignment that you are doing, turn the machine off, and let it rest. And after that, if you have a bag for it or safe location to sit it, try and place the computer in a place you can't see it. I usually take the time to place it in the bag and have it closed and locked up somewhere for both safety and for myself.
(2) If you must use your computer, deactivate the wireless card (temporarily). I'm not telling you to destroy it, just to deactivate it. You are able to by right clicking the icon near the bottom right of the screen near the time and date (if you're running "Windows" of course). Doing such a thing leads to free reign of typing up your paper, and then later when you need the internet for network printers, you can turn the wireless card back on and start using the net for the amount of time you need, thereby practicing discipline for yourself. If you do not have wireless, and you have an Ethernet cord, simply get rid of the cord and throw it in the closet or desk or wherever you can find it later.
(3) If you have an assignment that involves you having to get on the internet and use a software program or a website, than make sure to have only ONE window open. Turn off Instant Messenger programs, and other programs that could potentially distract you, AND, that could cause your machine to slow down what with all of the programs running in the background.
(4) And remember, not checking your E-Mail every 10 to 20 seconds doesn't mean that the world will come to a screeching halt or come to an end or anything. You'll survive. Your friends and others can wait until your school work is complete! But if you an extremely important message that can't wait, then by all means use the net and your resources at your own risk. Remember, all of this is only advice anyways!
Good luck in your college endeavors, and do take a breather from the technology that is your computer and from the World Wide Web that is the internet. Besides, your TV probably misses you!!
Published by Ken Lyons
Born and raised in Dallas, TX, he s a young writer with a passion to creatively reach out to people with epic stories and challenging moments. His career both in broadcasting and ministry has taken him to... View profile
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1 Comments
Post a CommentThanks for the advice. I am always so distracted when I am on the internet researching for work. Especially since I've found U tube and Google Video. Have you discovered that? Well, don't because you will go against your own great advice. Hehe. Well-written article by the way. Bye.