It’s hard to believe that the commercialization of the Internet happened a mere 20 years ago. What started off with a few local websites, has now grown into “The Web” an endlessly interconnected online resource. On the Internet, it is possible to find almost anything, and in this lies the problem.
For me, personally, the Internet serves as both a distraction, and a resource. Unlike Vishal, I am able to organize my time. I tend to do my homework everyday, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t procrastinate. As soon as I come home, I usually go straight to the TV, and then follow it up by going onto the computer to check Facebook, and surf the web looking through loads of information. Once the clock hits 9:00 PM, I realize that I need to go do homework, and disconnect from MSN and Facebook in an attempt to finish my work.
Although I am often able to disconnect, this isn’t something I’ve learned easily. Over the past 6 or so years, I’ve been educated about different websites and web tools to access. Hence my time spent on the Internet has increased. When I first created my Facebook account, I was hooked, but as time has passed, this obsession has become more of a past-time now. However just because this is the case for me, doesn’t mean that this is reality for all. As a matter of fact, I have many friends who often complain how they cannot do homework because Facebook serves as a distraction. Facebook allows people to place their personality online, this is where I think many people’s obsession with Facebook lies. People want to see what is happening to who, at what time. They want to get to know people, there is an endless amount of things you can do on Facebook and online.
Last Thursday I bought myself a Blackberry. Now many will say that I have now permanently connected myself to the web, which is true. By buying a data plan I now have constant internet access. My “Crackberry” is addicting, I cannot lie. But this is just because of its endless features, which is easy to ignore for a short period of time. My Blackberry on the other hand has let me disconnect from my internet distraction. When I would go home before, I would make sure to check Facebook and other Internet websites for updates, things that I missed on that day. Now that I have the constant Internet access, my phone receives updates every time something new happens. Now I’m always updated, so I don’t have to worry about checking anything when I get home.
Technology is something we have to embrace. Technology will never seize, it will only continue to grow and expand. Our current use of technology in schools is minimal at best. However with our IDC ICT class we are attempting to change this. I believe that it is important to educate people about technology, so they will have some knowledge, and then expand on it themselves. With this education we are teaching future generations about useful web tools and resources they can use to finish their homework… using technology.
To wrap all this up, I have to say that I do believe that the youth have a problem with procrastination. Although technology has given us the ability to multitask in miraculous new ways, it has also impeded our ability to focus and manage our time. Both children and adults need to learn to prioritize well to be able to see what is more important, work (school, job, etc.) or enjoyment (in this case it is Facebook, video games, etc.). We are living in a digital age, and what we need to do, is learn to disconnect from the technology, and reconnect with real life.