Digital technology: A source of procrastination

The article highlights how easy it is to lose track of time when using digital devices, particularly through scrolling and consuming endless streams of content. It opens by showing that many people unintentionally waste hours on their phones without accomplishing their goals.

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I realise how relatable this experience is — I’ve often caught myself doing the same without even meaning to. It reinforces how subtle and powerful these digital distractions can be, pulling attention away from important tasks without much conscious awareness.

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One major point the article makes is that social media’s design — offering instant connection and tailored content — is a key contributor to procrastination. It provides immediate gratification, which keeps users hooked and distracts them from more important work.

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I found it very interesting but not surprising. Social media is designed to be addictive, and it makes sense that the very features that make it enjoyable also make it so hard to put down. Understanding that this is a design feature rather than a personal failure helps explain why so many people struggle with it.

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The article shares personal insights, like senior Sasa Otsuka describing how social media addiction makes it easy to lose hours without realising. This adds a very human perspective, showing that even when people recognise the problem, it’s difficult to resist.

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Reflecting on this, it made me feel more aware that recognising a distraction isn’t enough on its own — overcoming it requires strategies and habits that actively limit how much we get pulled in.

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Another important point the article discusses is the role of constant notifications. Every buzz, pop-up, or vibration serves as a trigger, pulling attention away from focused tasks. Junior Aiyana Shippentower’s comments about checking her phone whenever a notification goes off highlight how easy it is to slip into this pattern.

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I realise how much my environment matters when I’m trying to focus. It's not enough to have good intentions — without managing these external interruptions, it’s extremely hard to stay on task.

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The article also describes the psychological need to stay updated — an urge that creates a sense of urgency and makes resisting the temptation to check devices even harder. Shippentower’s comment about checking her phone once an hour even outside of class shows just how ingrained this habit becomes.

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This it helped me understand procrastination not just as an occasional issue but as a constant low-level habit reinforced by technology, making it much harder to break without conscious effort.

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Although the article mentions strategies like using “Do Not Disturb” mode or moving the phone out of sight, it shows how difficult it is to truly eliminate distractions because other devices like iPads or computers are just as tempting. Junior Jilliane Perez also mentions that despite using app limits, it's easy to bypass them.

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I realise that creating boundaries with technology requires both setting up external controls and strengthening internal self-discipline. It’s not about a single solution but about being consistently mindful and intentional.

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Finally, the article closes by stressing the importance of cultivating balance — using technology thoughtfully without letting it control our time and attention.