Lets face it, we are a generation of social media addicts. From constantly updating Facebook statuses, to Twittering, to sending 50 texts a day, we just can’t get enough of it. As important as it may be to stay connected with your friends, some of us go a little overboard with the constant Facebooking and Twittering. We even stay connected to these things while we’re studying. This isn’t the smartest idea if you are trying to have a successful review session.
While reviewing for a test or exam, we need to do our best to eliminate every possible distraction. This includes the distractions of social media. Here are some solutions to cure the social addiction that creeps its way into study sessions all too often.
The Problem: Cellphones
Ah, the cellphone. We all have it attached to our hip at all times. It’s our most used mode of communication. As great as talking on the phone and texting can be, while studying these things are nothing but distractions.
Credit: MJTR (´???)
Solution
Put the cellphone on silent (not vibrate) and out of sight. I can’t tell you how many times I’d be studying, see the light on my Blackberry flash, and stop whatever I was doing to check the message. It’s a bad habit, one I probably share with many others. To avoid this whole situation, just place your cellphone in a drawer or across the room. Only check your phone during breaks; this will keep phone calls and texts from disrupting your work flow.
The Problem: Facebook, Twitter, etc.
The streamlined chatting, constant status updates, and feeling of being connected can be alluring. However, these things can wreck a study session. Many people even go as far as having a Facebook window open with multiple chat sessions going all while attempting to look over some History notes. It usually goes something like this: look over a few bullet points, check Facebook, chat for 5 minutes, and then get back to studying. This formula never seems to work, at least not for me.
Credit: Extra Ketchup
Solution
One program, LeechBlock. LeechBlock is a Firefox add-on that allows you to block any website that you want. It’s simple, just specify which sites you want to block and for how long. LeechBlock won’t grant you access to any sites that are on the block list. Add Twiiter, Facebook, Youtube, and any other distracting social media sites to LeechBlock and see how much more productive you will become.
Cut the Cord
Social media sites and cellphones are great ways to stay in the know, but while studying, the only thing you need to know is what’s going to be on the upcoming test. Cut the cord on social media and go get some work done.
What do you do to keep social media distractions out of your study sessions?
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Kathleen Lisson
For me, studying at the library is the best way to clear distractions. I need to physically remove myself from TV, social media websites, and the Blackberry. I also cannot listen to music on my ipod while I study.
Dan Northern
I know what you mean. It's a whole lot easier to get things done at the library.
Ashley W
I can’t tell you how big of an issue this is for my friends and me. When we have study sessions, we will either be texting or on facebook. What’s the hardest thing is that because I need my computer to do most of my work, that means I have constant access to blogs, youtube, facebook, my email, and so on. My phone is easier to put away since I don’t NEED it to do my homework. Putting my phone on silent really helps and sometimes I turn it right off.
Dan Northern
It can be really tough to stay off the Internet when you’re using your computer for doing homework. I have trouble with this myself. LeechBlock can help though
Herber
Another thing that has worked for me is the Pomodoro Technique. You set a timer and focus for 25 minutes without stopping. Then you get a 2-5 minute break before doing it again. I found the 25 minutes keeps me going and the short break lets me relax and socialize enough without losing track of time.