With many people now working and learning from the comfort of their homes, devices are probably more important now than ever before.
Smartphones, laptops, and tablets help amplify the work you get done, and without them, you would probably fall greatly behind. At the same time, they are also the reason why you are not as productive as you’d like to be.
Smartphones and Tablets
Smartphones are convenient for obvious reasons: They provide access to information in the palm of your hand. In many ways this quickly-accessed information allows you to work efficiently and effectively. It also allows for many distractions. With the constant flow of notifications and the urge to stay updated, it is difficult to resist picking up your phone. A study at Kent University found that out of 500 students, the majority of them were anxious and unhappy when they did not have access to their phones. The information iPhones provide can also be used as a distraction from memory building skills. The more you use your phone for basic information, the harder it is to remember, which in return makes you more dependent on your device. Tablets essentially provide the same information and distractions. Being that there is a larger screen, some may even argue that a tablet is more of a distraction than a phone. According to a U.S. study, boys who play video games on a school day spend 30 percent less time reading, while girls spend 34 percent less time doing their homework. The issue with students learning from home is that they are constantly in the presence of their distractions. Because they are no longer as held accountable by teachers, or able to interact with their peers in person, the chances of students finding entertainment through gaming greatly increases. Another study shows that gaming is such a distraction because of the rush kids get when competing. So rather than paying attention, students now have the ability to mute their teacher, turn off their mic, and start gaming. Gaming is meant to be done in free time, not during prime work hours. Before resorting to selling your device, try working in a different environment away from the distractions. Out of sight does not always mean out of mind though. If you have done everything in your power to make sure your phone or game system is not a distraction for you and others, yet all you can think about is your phone or games rather than work, maybe it is best to sell it. Sometimes it is essential that you downgrade your device to upgrade your productivity.
Game Consoles and PCs
