Social media can cause FOMO—the fear of missing out. It leads to distractions and interruptions in daily tasks as it tempts individuals to check social media apps frequently. In fact, it has become a natural thing to do. Every time you pick up your smartphone, you unconsciously end up on a social media app.
On average, a person spends 147 minutes daily on social media. Applicants planning to appear for the Suffolk Police Exam cannot afford to waste their time on social media. Using social media for hours can drain your mental and physical energy, leaving you with digital eye strain. It can also make you tired and affect your preparation process.
Impact of Social Media
Social media can lead to poor academic performance. Research shows that students who use social media more frequently and for longer hours are likely to have poor academic performance. By causing distractions, social media can make students lose concentration and waste time.
It can also affect physical and mental health. Spending hours on social media at night and losing sleep can adversely affect the body, especially the eyes. Scrolling social media frequently can also lead to addiction, as individuals often start to use social networks as a way to escape reality.
Preparing for the 2023 Suffolk police test will require you to cut back on your social media time. Here’s how you can do it.
Create a Routine
When preparing for the Suffolk police test, create a study routine and allocate a certain number of hours to study time. Make sure to put your phone away or in another room while you’re studying. Don’t use social media while studying as it can ‘kill your time’. Research showed that students who went on a ‘social media break’ described social media as a time-filler, time-killer, or time-stealer.
Create a separate time slot for checking social media and stick to it. Try not to keep this time slot during the day, as it can distract you. You can put it in the morning or at the day’s end. It will help you avoid thinking about social media during the day and concentrate on the curriculum.
Set Limits
When using social media, set a timer on your phone. It will help you limit and monitor your screen time. Once you reach the limit, close social media apps and try to decrease your usage the next day. Your iOS or Android device will have screen time limitations in the settings or you can use apps that block access after the time limit is reached.
Find Alternatives To Social Media
Do you remember the time when there were no social media apps, and people actually met up with their friends? Try doing that again! You can replace social media with new hobbies. Pick a screen-free hobby that can help distract your mind from the desire of checking social media. When you spend time doing other things you love, such as exercising or painting, you will have less time for social media.
If you want to socialize with your friends, you can allocate a few hours on your schedule to meet them. When spending time outside with friends or family, keep your phone away and enjoy their company—or the food.
Turn Off Notifications
Notifications can also cause distractions and make you wonder who’s texting or posting. If you wish to keep your phone close to you while studying, you can turn off the notifications. Smartphone have airplane and ‘Do Not Disturb’ modes that automatically turn off WiFi and block notifications. You can use these features while you’re studying to avoid being distracted by unnecessary notifications.
Delete Social Media Apps Temporarily
During your exam period, you can delete your social media apps that are not necessary. While you can keep WhatsApp for everyday communication, you can delete social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook. There is also an option to deactivate them if you don’t want to delete them. It will give you the much-needed social media cleanse and help you maintain focus and concentration.
Another thing that’ll help you prepare for the Suffolk police exam is the prep course by Civil Service Success.
Classes For The Suffolk Police Exam Are Starting In May
Civil Service Success is offering prep classes for the 2023 Suffolk police test. Their expert instructors have over 40 years of experience helping aspiring candidates to get their dream Suffolk police job. From live streams to in-person sessions, they can provide all information and guidelines regarding the Suffolk Police Exam.
Contact them for more details regarding registration, deadlines, eligibility, and more.
About the Author
Jennie T. is a postgraduate student studying Communication and Media Studies. She created this ‘guide to avoiding social media’ to help students like herself focus during exams.
