PP # 1- Personal Media usage
A Daily Habit
In today’s hyper-connected world, media consumption plays an integral role in shaping both personal and academic lifestyles. The devices we use, the platforms we engage with, and the content we consume all influence the way we interact with others, the world around us, and how we structure our daily routines. My media usage is a combination of social media, educational platforms, and general entertainment, and it significantly impacts both my personal life and academic endeavors.
Devices and platforms I use
My phone is arguably the most frequently used device in my daily life. I use it for a wide variety of tasks, including texting, social media, browsing the internet, and managing daily tasks. Checking my phone is the first that i do. Texting is one of the most common ways i stay in touch with friends and teammates. I don't have a lot of people to text nor have a lot of things to talk about so I really just have a phone number just because. I do spend a lot of my time on social media platforms though. Instagram or TikTok gets most of the time when I am on my phone.
For academic purposes, my laptop and iPad is my primary tool. I do most of my homework in class or at work and that it really the only time that I open my computer. On a typical day, I spend around 3-5 hours on my laptop, depending on how much work I have to get done for the week. My iPad is less frequently used. I mainly use my for some light entertainment , such as watching short videos or playing the games I have downloaded. My tablet usage is much less frequent, with an estimated 30-60 minuter per-day.
The impact of media on my personal life
Connection and Communication: My smartphone and social media accounts make it incredibly easy to stay connected with friends, family, and classmates. These platforms offer me the ability to share experiences, ask questions, and provide feedback in real time. Through apps like WhatsApp or Twitter, I can instantly communicate with others, regardless of their location. This constant connectivity fosters stronger relationships and more efficient communication.
Access to Information: The internet has provided unprecedented access to information. Whether I’m reading academic journals for research, browsing news articles to stay updated on current events, or following thought leaders on social media, I have an enormous amount of knowledge at my fingertips. This access has been invaluable for both personal enrichment and academic growth. I often use platforms like Google Scholar or JSTOR to find scholarly articles for my research papers and assignments.
Distraction and Procrastination: One of the biggest downsides of media usage is the tendency to get distracted. Social media, in particular, can be a huge time sink. The urge to scroll through Twitter or Instagram often leads to prolonged periods of wasted time. Sometimes, I end up spending an hour or more on a platform without realizing it. This can detract from academic productivity, especially when I should be working on an assignment or studying.
Academic use of media
In terms of academic use, media has drastically altered the way I approach learning. Online courses, digital textbooks, and scholarly articles are more accessible than ever before. Social media, too, has academic value; I often follow thought leaders in my field on Twitter or LinkedIn to keep up with the latest research or industry trends. In fact, some of my professors encourage students to engage with their class materials via social media platforms, such as Twitter hashtags for class discussions or collaborative Google Docs for project work.
Conclusion
The use of media in both my personal and academic life offers a mix of benefits and challenges. While platforms like social media, text messaging, and online resources improve communication, access to information, and organization, they also present distractions and potential mental health concerns. Balancing media consumption with real-life interaction, setting time limits on social media usage, and consciously managing distractions are crucial steps to mitigate the negative effects of media. Moving forward, I aim to be more mindful of how much time I spend on my devices, ensuring that I am using media in a way that enriches my life rather than detracts from it.
Comments
Post a Comment