A common phrase spoken by Ferris State University students is “I never have enough time.” For most college students, after the assignment deadlines and textbook reading, any spare time is spent resting up for the next day’s routine of rushing.
Though it appears either our days are getting shorter or our responsibilities are overwhelming, we cannot ignore the amount of time we spend consumed in the lives of others.
A study by the measurement and information company Nielsen reported the average user spent seven hours a month on Facebook. Experian Hitwise reported Twitter users visited the social networking site 10 visits per month. A number of college students can confess to spending even more time tweeting and Facebook stalking.
When considering the time spent Skyping, channel surfing and texting, it appears the lack of time in our “busy” lives is only the consequence of lifestyle distracters we habitually incorporate in our everyday schedule.
It’s almost become necessary that we remain logged in to some social network while at work or in class. The highest-viewed television programs tend to be reality shows focusing on the lives of celebrities and pregnant teens.
I agree social media is a beneficial resource for building and maintaining friendships by staying connected in the lives of others. However, our society’s increasing dependency on staying interconnected at all times has limited the time within our lives we are allowed to personally develop.
Though we are constantly informed on the everyday experiences of friends, we neglect to contribute to our own responsibilities, goals and potentials. What if we used the reported 13 hours per week we spend watching television to learn an instrument or new language? The seven hours of social networking can be used to lose weight or organize personal finances.
Therefore, next time you think to yourself “I never have enough time,” reevaluate the time you spend plugged into the lives of others.