PREOCCUPIED
Procrastination is something everyone has struggled with at one point or another. More recently, smartphones have become a huge factor in this dangerous game of continuously pushing back tasks. BY MISHA CANIN & ISAAC YOUNG
“S
ecure your phones!” You’ve heard it before in the West High classrooms, a common phrase teachers use to remind their students to remain on task throughout the period. However, outside of school it’s much harder for students’ phone usage to be regulated. This often results in a large amount of time spent on cellular devices rather than doing homework and other important tasks. It becomes even more complicated when the usefulness of cellphones as a resource is taken into account. Students are able to use their cellular devices as a valuable tool for studying. Dictionaries, calculators, music and video recording are just a few of the very easy-to-use academic features smartphones boast. While there are many positive aspects to having one of these devices, they are still a leading cause of procrastination among students at West. With the introduction of an extended break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many students
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FEATURE
APRIL 24, 2020
“ MY PHON E CAN BE VE RY D I STR ACTI NG AN D I CAN BECOM E TOO R E LIANT ON IT.” - H ELEN ZHANG ‘22
are finding their screen time increased and motivation lacking. Teachers are no longer there to tell teens to “secure your phone” — this time it’s all on the students. There are no required assignments during this time, though teachers are posting optional reviews and lessons to stay on track. The ICCSD has chosen to continue this method of learning at least through April 30. Without having the motivation of a time frame that exists in school, the days pass quickly and can start to blend. For Emily Shian ’22, her screen time has increased dramatically since she started practicing social distancing and remaining at home. “Being cooped up at home 24/7 has been boring and uneventful. The only way I stay entertained is by watching Netflix or going on TikTok for most of the day. Also, because I can’t hang out with friends due to social distancing, FaceTime is my only option, so my screen time has increased by 57% now,” Shian said. Her screen
