Confessions of a Distracted Student: Social Media vs. My Studies

    

Me distracted at the Kampala Writes LitFest

Social Media Addiction Has Hijacked My Reading and Writing

This is my confession as a first-year Humanities student doing Literature, English, and Journalism. Social media has eaten into my books and my writing. These days, I can hardly concentrate on one page before my phone beeps.

Most of my free time goes to scrolling. One and a half hours on YouTube, broken by quick checks on Instagram, X, and Facebook. The notifications keep pulling me back every other second. Before I know it, the whole evening has gone.

The Effect on My Reading

Because of this habit, my reading has suffered badly. I used to enjoy novels, but now even short stories feel heavy. In class, I find it hard to focus on long texts. During exams, I even dodge some questions just because I do not want to “overthink.”

I’m not alone in this. Studies show that many young people are reading less. Teachers also complain that social media is spoiling students’ reading habits. Even I have noticed my own comprehension going down.

The Effect on My Writing

It has not stopped at reading. Social media has also touched my writing. I love writing, but these days I find myself struggling. I keep checking X for updates instead of finishing assignments. Handwriting is another battle. I have forgotten how to hold a pen fast. My fingers get tired after a few lines.

Back in the day, handwriting was natural. Now, with all these gadgets, even cursive writing is dying out. Studies have found that many young people can no longer write properly by hand. I feel that pain myself — as if technology has robbed me of something important.

The Turning Point

Last year in December, I attended the Kampala Writes LitFest at Onomo Hotel. Seeing poets, authors, and readers celebrating Ugandan literature reminded me of my first love: books. That festival gave me hope.

My Plan

I want to detox from digital life. That means reducing screen time, handwriting more, and visiting the library — not only when exams are near. I want to rebuild my attention span and find my love for reading again.

This is not to say social media is all bad. It connects us, informs us, and even inspires us. But when it starts killing our books and pens, then it has crossed the line. For me, it is time to reclaim my reading and writing life.

References

• Casey, M. (2013, July 28). Has technology ruined handwriting? CNN.
• Janine. (2025, January 22). Impact of digital media on children’s reading habits. Tutor Doctor.
• Rena, T., et al. (2025, January 21). Generation Z is losing a skill we’ve had for 5,500 years. Indian Defence Review.