Utopia—the perfect world, free from harm and comfort is at its peak. In varying perspectives, each of us has his own definition to one’s ideal place, but as time passes by, we tend to forget that what the mankind has achieved has brought efficiency to our fingertips. Among the advancements, there is something in common we may be thinking of right now—and yes, it is technology.

            From producing medicines, generating new treatment procedures, and showcasing new art forms, up to making work easier, these virtual perks bring a different twist into our lives. In fact, most of us rely on the use of social media, either for entertainment and during our free time, or even by means of our education and occupation. However, as reflected in E. Neiterman and C. Zaza’s study titled A Mixed Blessing? Students’ and Instructors’ Perspectives about Off-Task Technology Use in the Academic Classroom, 49 percent of the surveyed undergraduate students said that the use of technology in class for noneducational purposes led them to distraction.

            Most of our lives have drastically changed compared to what we have in tradition, but is the frequent reliance on technology inevitable?

            We might not notice it, but there are times that our exposure to our gadget screens go beyond what is recommended. In simple ways, we can be less distracted yet more productive. Here are a few things that we can do:

1. Set a schedule between the use of applications
2. Avoid browsing and social media apps
3. If not in use, turn gadgets off while working or studying
4. Turn off notifications
5. Use time management methods such as the Pomodoro Technique, which involves taking quick breaks after completing the allotted time for work

            As Oscar Wilde had said, all is good, “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” Breakthroughs made complicated-up-to-impossible actions easier and more accessible for us, that’s why we should use them properly not only does avoiding distractions help lessen the time consumed, but it also boosts us to create a quality product from our actions. Always have this in mind, before you click on a post or wander in your feed, think of your life and dreams, then ask yourself, “Is my time worth the swipe?”

References:

https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/article/2019/07/10/survey-shows-nearly-half-students-distracted-technology

Neiterman, E., & Zaza, C. (2019). A Mixed Blessing? Students’ and Instructors’ Perspectives about Off-Task Technology Use in the Academic Classroom. The Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.5206/cjsotl-rcacea.2019.1.8002 

https://lifehacker.com/top-10-ways-to-defeat-distractions-and-get-your-work-do-1580198318

By: Gloperlyn D. Chavez | Teacher II | Bataan National High School-Senior High School | Balanga, Bataan