How To Not To Get Distracted By TikTok, Instagram and YouTube while Studying
The following article is written in a collaboration with Dr. Catthob, a well-known researcher in productive learning based in San Francisco, California.
Studying can be difficult when you are constantly being bombarded by notifications and tempting videos on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Distraction can be harmful for students because it can interfere with their ability to focus, learn, and retain information.
Some specific ways in which distraction can be harmful for students include:
Decreased productivity: Distractions can take students away from their work, leading to a decrease in productivity and making it harder to complete tasks on time.
Poor learning and retention: Distractions can make it harder for students to focus on their studies, leading to poor learning and retention of new information.
Increased stress and anxiety: Distractions can also increase stress and anxiety, as students may feel overwhelmed by the demands of school and other responsibilities.
Decreased motivation: Distractions can also decrease motivation and make it harder for students to stay engaged in their studies.
Overall, distraction can be harmful for students as it can interfere with their ability to focus, learn, and retain information, leading to decreased productivity, poor learning and retention, increased stress and anxiety, and decreased motivation.
Here are some strategies you can use to avoid getting distracted while studying:
- Set a specific time for using social media and stick to it.
- Turn off notifications for social media apps.
- Use a website blocker to prevent access to distracting sites during study times.
- Find a study location that does not have access to social media or other distractions.
- Set specific, achievable goals for each study session and work towards completing them before taking a break.
- Use the Pomodoro Technique to break up your study sessions into 25-minute increments with short breaks in between.
- Keep a to-do list or planner to stay organized and on track with your tasks.
- Find a study partner or accountability partner to help you stay focused and on task.
- Use white noise or other forms of ambient noise to help drown out any distractions.
- Take regular breaks to stretch, get some fresh air, or engage in a physical activity to help refocus your attention.
- Use apps or websites that allow you to track your time and productivity.
- Set up a designated study area that is separate from areas where you relax or engage in leisure activities.
- Use a timer or alarm to limit the amount of time you spend on social media or other distracting activities.
- Find a hobby or activity that you can do during breaks that does not involve screens or technology.
- Use headphones or earplugs to block out noise and other distractions.
- Avoid checking social media or other distracting sites first thing in the morning or right before bed.
- Use the Freedom app to block access to distracting websites or apps during specific times of the day.
- Find a study group or online study group to participate in.
- Use apps or extensions that allow you to customize your browser to remove distracting elements or to block specific websites.
- Set up a daily schedule that includes dedicated study times and breaks.
Image source: StudyBreaks