DIGITAL DISCOVERY: Miguel Gallego Mena sits in the hallways, immersed in his phone. He was delving into a world of Twitch during a brief break from his class. “I just need a tiny break from class from time to time, to rest my mind,” Gallego said.

In today’s digital age, mobile phones have become an indispensable part of our lives.However, their presence raises crucial questions about how these devices affect our academic performance. In this article, we will see the impact of mobile phones on our education and how we can manage their influence to improve our academic performance.

One of the problems we face the most is the constant distraction that mobile phones cause. Notifications from social media, messages, and entertainment apps can distract us from our focus during classes and study sessions, affecting our ability to retain information effectively. “We play on our phones more than we pay attention to our teachers in class’,” said sophomore Zoey Leavitt.

Performing several tasks at the same time is a skill that many of us believe we can do easily.  However, several studies show that multitasking, especially with a mobile phone present, decreases the quality of work and affects our ability to retain information and memorize. According to the National Library of Medicine, “The use of mobile phone technology can lead to sacrificing other goals such as neglecting other commitments and a decrease in social activities with friends and family.” It is important to recognize the importance of dedicating time and attention to our homework and studies.

Nowadays we have quick access to all kinds of information thanks to our phones, and that causes a false feeling of productivity. While the ability to search for information on the fly is important, it is also important to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are not always encouraged due to our reliance on technology. “Critical thinking and deep analysis takes time and effort, two things students do not look to utilize when grabbing their phones,” said Mr. Fullmer who teaches senior honors English.

Some tricks and strategies to moderate the negative impact that our electronic devices have on us can be establishing time limits; that is, limiting phone time during study hours to reduce distractions and improve concentration. Students can create technology-free spaces, specific areas, such as the study table, the library, that are free of electronic devices to promote an environment suitable for learning free of distractions. And finally, properly educating yourself about the impact of social media and electronic devices can increase awareness and promote conscious use of technology.

Ultimately, phones are powerful tools that, used carefully, can enhance our educational experience. By recognizing the problems they cause and taking steps to report their negative impact, we can take advantage of technology without affecting our academic abilities. The key is to find balance between technology and our academic life, expanding our educational potential to the maximum.