As college students, we are very familiar with the stress that comes with trying to balance our classes and workload while still trying to enjoy the other parts of life. When procrastinating, we might be left with feelings of guilt, anxiety, and even depression. A big factor in why we tend to procrastinate is distraction. And what is one of the biggest distractions in today’s world---social media.
Is there a way that we could redesign how it is that we use technology in a way that helps us instead of distracting us from things that matter? Let’s find out.
Why Do We Procrastinate?
Procrastinating is something we’ve probably all done before and if you have, you know how stress inducing it can be. Actually, a 2014 study found that 20-25% of adults worldwide are chronic procrastinators (1). Oftentimes people associate procrastinating with being lazy, but that is not always the case. It’s actually more often linked to underlying issues such as depression, anxiety, self esteem issues, ADHD, and poor physical health (1).
For a lot of students procrastination comes from feelings of boredom, stress, or distraction (1). But a greater common factor amongst students is feelings of self doubt or fear of failing (1). Perfectionism isn't always beneficial. Not only do these feelings lead to procrastination, but they’re even associated with physical illness (1). According to a 2016 study, procrastination is highest in 14-29 year olds (1), so us college students really need to find a way to break this cycle.
"Never do tomorrow what you can do today. Procrastination is the thief of time." - Charles Dickens
There is tons of pressure to succeed in school for most students and that pressure can severely take a toll on one's mental health. In certain countries, it’s reported that 1 student commits suicide every hour, and 1.8% of those suicides are because of a failed exam (2). Let’s really think about that for a second. The fear of failing or not performing well enough, pushes students so far over the edge mentally that they feel they need to take their own lives? This just shows how much more attention we need to be focusing towards these topics in schools.
Having poor grades is a huge stressor for many students. A report found that 61% of teens experience stress over bad grades, which can then lead to things such as eating disorders, burnout, and anxiety (2). It’s as if academic success is creating just as much harm as it is good, and we need to find ways to manage it better.
Even though social media and technology prove to be part of the issue, there might be ways to incorporate it into a solution. How can we use the basic structure and tools of social media to reduce these feeling of academic pressure and acts of procrastination?
What if we could turn the aspects of social media that distract us, into and educational toolbox?
Personally, I have struggled in my college career trying to find tutors or even time to meet with one while also having a job and attending my usual classes. I always wish there was a way I could participate in a form of digital tutoring that would be collaborative, accessible, inclusive, and supportive. So I brainstormed some ideas...
What if there was a free app, accessible to college students where students could come together and be apart of online study groups organized by class/subject. Incorporating aspects of social media, there could be a class wide chat room where students could ask questions (anonymously if you'd prefer), and anyone who has taken the class in previous years or is currently taking it, could answer. There could also be AI generated help for hours of the day when no peers are active on the app. This way study groups wouldn't need to be planned around five different peoples schedules, instead you can get direct help anytime you need.
You would only be interacting with other students from your university and there could be motivating incentives to combat procrastination such as challenges, badges, games, and reminders to keep you on top of things. The overall atmosphere of the app would be positive and encouraging. Feedback is a great way to improve productivity.
Let's Make Change.
Being a college student is stressful enough and it becomes even more stressful with the added pressure of procrastination and struggling academically. As a student myself, I understand how hard it can be to balance work, school, and life. We need more support. And that’s why I believe in finding new designs of technology and social media for the better. If we create a space where students can support, challenge, and work with one another, we might be able to lessen the amount of mental strain a lot of us are struggling with. We deserve to succeed without feeling like the odds are against us.
"The secret to getting ahead is getting started." - Mark Twain
Resources
(1) Linder, J. (n.d.). The Consequences of Academic Pressure on Students’ Mental Health. Www.transformationsnetwork.com. https://www.transformationsnetwork.com/post/the-consequences-of-academic-pressure-on-students-mental-health#:~:text=The%20amount%20of%20student%20workload
(2) Mclean Hospital. (2022, December 4). The Real Reason You’re Procrastinating. Mclean Hospital. https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/procrastination