One of my recent thoughts is how technology really has changed the way I learn new things and spend my free time. Nearly 60% of my daily activities would not exist had I no screens. Be it reading a book, watching a movie, chatting with my friends, or doing research online, it all requires a screen, and that includes technology. Life is made easier by technology in so many different ways that one can hardly imagine. Not only the information availability, but the fact of how quickly you can get it plus the fact of how easy it is to stay in touch with others, are two examples.

Apart from that, there are quite a few things to consider. As a matter of fact I have realized that with all the modern technology available we still can easily get distracted. One example is my phone. It only takes a few seconds to check the phone and then before you know it you are wasting the whole day scrolling through the phone watching all the social media videos and posts.

It always comes back to technology as being the thing we use to achieve our personal and professional goals and not that we become dependent on technology that we forget to do the other things in life that we want and are able to do. I think that one thing all people need to learn is about time management. If a person is not able to manage their time properly he or she will have a hard time doing anything at all. Technology should help people to do better, but it shouldn’t be a means of a person’s day-to-day life controlling another person’s behavior and activities.

Small changes in behavior that will make a huge difference include setting up screen time limits, taking breaks and focusing on the big picture tasks first.

In the case of further developments in technology, I hope to become a better learner while spending time away from screens so that my relationships can be nurtured and my personal life can grow.

Managing my time is definitely one of my life goals which when I am able to do it will greatly enhance my success both academically and in my personal activities. That being said it’s one of the major reasons why I am going to keep focusing on this.

— Handuo Liang