Is Facebook Hindering Your Productivity?

Time Management in the Age of Social Media

According to an article by Leslie Horn on pcmag.com there is new research out that claims Facebook can be more addicting than alcohol and tobacco. In an age when many college students spend more time online than off, it does seem plausible.

The study found that many people are willing to compromise on things like sleep or sex in order to check their social networking profiles.

While a Facebook addiction may not pose the same health treats as, say, a long-term smoking habit, it does seem to influence our performance in school.  A significant amount of the time we spend on Facebook and other social media outlets could be better spent studying or doing school work.

Some studies believe that Facebook can hurt your GPA whereas others argue in favor of the use of social networks. I think the most important aspect is how students are using Facebook and other social media sites.

Social media doesn’t have to hinder your productivity. Here are a few ways to use your social networks to improve time management:

• Email Gmail allows you to organize your emails using folders and labels. Take advantage of this feature to make your mail more manageable. That way when you open your account, it is easy to prioritize your tasks.
• iPhone Use the iPhone Reminders app to set deadlines for yourself. Visualizing your progress is motivational!
• Facebook Use Facebook to connect with group members, schedule events, uploading documents and find relevant links. Sharing information and articles over Facebook can be enriching.
• Twitter This is the best place for instant information. Twitter keeps you in the loop on celeb gossip as well as breaking news events. Use it to engage with peers and professionals. The knowledge you share and gain here can supplement your studies if you use it correctly.
• Apps SelfControl is an application for Mac that allows you to block certain web addresses for a predetermined amount of time. So, when social media sites are distracting you, there’s always the option of cutting off access (at least until your paper is finished).

More tips for time management success.