Media Diet

As I have analyzed the pass three days of media usage, it turned out to be a bit different then I first envisioned it would be. The past three days, I have been limited to my media usage. I went to watch my teammates run at a track meet in Finley, Ohio. A few of my teammates and I stayed at one of our teammates grandparents house in Findley. We were all hesitant as to whether or not we should go because we had a lot of homework and studying to do. We wanted to bring our computers along, but of course, we didn't' have internet access at the house. We wanted to bring homework, but we knew that it would be dark most of the trip, so we wouldn't be able to get much done during the ride. We knew once we got there we just wouldn't want to do any studying because we would just want to hang out, watch a movie, enjoy each other company, and watch our teammates run the following day. But, things ended up turning out a little differently. First, of all, I knew this trip would be a good thing for me- that I wouldn't have the ability to get on Facebook 24-7, like I usually do. I have been trying to not get on it as much this past week, and this weekend was a great time for me to go without it. Its not that I am obsessed with it, its just that whenever I am in my dorm room, I have the ability to get on it, and I usually do. I would say I usually am on it 2 or so hours a day (ridiculous, I know.) It so often distracts me from social interaction or studying. After spending time with my teammates and not getting on Facebook, I have felt so much more productive. On the way to Findley, I wrote some family and friends letters. We watched a movie (Fireproof), that evening. We went to the meet the meet on Saturday and I read some psychology and literature texts and wrote a paper. Looking back on my media usage this past weekend, I am very pleased with it. I got the studying I needed to get done, without Facebook being a distraction or any other type of media that I have in my dorm room. I have also begun reading a book called, "Reedeming Love." Although I don't really have time to read because of other homework, I decided to start reading on the elliptical. I guess as I look back on my media usage over the past few days, I have learned that there are ways to not let it consume me and distract me. I can limit myself and get more important things done, such as spending quality time with friends and family instead of being consumed in Facebook and watching TV. Media is designed to bring us pleasure, and it is enjoyable. I do think media is great in moderation, and this weekend gave me a little taste of how I need to moderate my media diet.