Is social media creating lazy students?

You know how sometimes we have a big test to study for,  but, instead of reviewing our notes or reading the chapters, we end up spending hours on our phone?  That's what social media does to most students. Instead of studying or doing homework, we get stuck scrolling through TikTok or Instagram. We're so busy watching videos and texting our friends that we forget about our schoolwork.

Social media also makes us lazy in other ways. Instead of focusing on real things, like writing essays or studying math, or even spending time with our loved ones, we are more interested in getting likes and followers. Sometimes it's like we care more about our online life than our real one.

Research shows that teens spend an average of 8 1⁄2 hours on screens per day; in 8 hours, there's so much more that can be done, such as reading a book, going for a walk, baking something, or just doing something fun and creative.

So, why are we so obsessed with our screens? Maybe it's because every time we get a notification or someone likes our post, it feels good. Like, really good. It's like a little reward for doing nothing.

But is social media to blame for our laziness? Yeah, kinda. Yet, here's the thing: we can change it. We can spend less time on our phones and more time on our schoolwork. It's not easy, but it's worth it.

According to Omnimedia CEO and author Ruth Soukup,  the following tips might help people to break free from social media. 

• Turn Off All Alerts and Notifications
• Sign Off for a Weekend
• Delete Apps
• Respond Off-Line
• Use A Timer 

As high schoolers, we need to remember that social media isn't going anywhere; but, that doesn't mean we have to let it take over our lives. So let's put down our phones and focus on working for our futures.

Soukup, Ruth "5 Steps to Break Free from Social Media Addiction". Living Well Spending Less. 27 Feb. 2024.