Image via Pixabay user OpenIcons
The internet may be the invention with the greatest impact on the millennial generation. It sits in our pockets and on our desks, it allows us to connect to friends all over the globe and access the world’s greatest library in a few clicks. If the internet is the defining tool of our generation, why would anyone want to cut it from their life? How much time does the average university student spend online? A 2009 study by Harris Interactive showed that students “spend an average of 12 hours each day engaged with some type of media”. It’s safe to say that with the recent boom in smart phone use those numbers have risen. It has become increasingly common to spend every waking moment connected to the internet via smartphone. This can create a loss of focus on the other tasks which make up an millennial life.
A study conducted by students at the University of Maryland learned that students tend to spend more online time on distractions (texting, social media and watching online media) then they did working on course work. They decided to spend a brief 24 hours without any online media. While students’ options on the results were mixed, everyone involved could agree that was much more difficult than they could have imagined. One student was quoted as saying, “Honestly, this experience was probably the single worst experience I have ever had”. Other students focused on the positives which include more physical exercise and in person conversations. Others simply thought the best part of the experiment was when it was all over.
Would you be willing to give up all devices for 24 hours? A single day isn’t a great length of time nevertheless; the students who took part experienced Phantom Ringing, a feeling of missing out and boredom. We here at Digital Tattoo challenge everyone to unplug for one day. If nothing else you’ll know what you’re missing.
Are you addicted to the internet? Could you replicate this study?
Your browser should be the first line of defense, but it’s important to remember a few safety principles!
Be careful where you type your passwords – you don’t want to lose control of accounts. A good way to be sure you’re not being tricked is to check the address displayed in your URL bar.
In the same vein, be careful of the sites you visit – some are much more likely to be malicious than others. You’re probably safe on Facebook, but it’s easy to end up on an insecure domain.
I can’t think of any general ‘hacker-safety’ plugins – you shouldn’t need them, as long as you’re being careful with your information. The biggest tip I can give you is to back up that hard-earned data! Buy a backup drive and set it to automatically copy your stuff as often as you feel necessary.