Experts say checking social media can actually help you ace your exams

It's the debate you've no doubt had with your parents countless times during exam time:

Parent: "Get off your phone! Why aren't you studying?"

You: "I AM studying, I'm just having a break!"

The good news is, you now have some expert advice to back up your argument!

A new statement released from Deakin University says that social media can actually be a helpful distraction during exam time!

Watch: This Is How You Can Appear Offline When On Facebook

Dr Natalie Hendry from Deakin’s School of Education confirmed something that we all know well — final exams (especially in year 12) can be stressful AF.

“Not only is there the pressure of study but students are also thinking beyond their final year,” Dr Hendry said.

“Pathways to future education and employment are becoming more complex and young people feel this pressure acutely."

Dr. Hendry says that browsing the gram' or tuning into TikTok can actually be helpful for relieving some of that pressure.

“Finding ways to let go of stress is vitally important and as much as social media can be a distraction, it can also provide welcome relief,” she said.

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It's the middle of the semester. The days and weeks seem to get busier and busier. You're losing focus. You're not efficient. How do you pick up the pace? Bringing back an old productivity trick- the Ivy Lee method. For my old followers, you've heard me rave about this before. But for those of you who don't know what it is, let me break it down for you. The Ivy Lee method is a actually very simple. At the end of each night, you write down your six most important tasks in order of importance. The next day, you begin working on your first task then work your way down the list- not moving onto the next until you complete the one prior. This time-saving strategy capitalizes on reducing "decision fatigue", thereby forcing you to prioritize. It's a part of my daily routine for peak productivity, allowing me to optimize my schedule to make the most out of each day. Check out the link in my bio for a free template! Swipe to see it in action in conjunction with my agenda! Do you already use this method or anything else to maximize your productivity? Let me know!

Of course, it's all about being smart about your social media usage.

Spending hours getting sucked into a TikTok tunnel when you're meant to be studying ain't exactly going to help you ace your exams.

Dr. Hendry says it's all about taking intentional breaks and using it connect with others.

“By sharing a study music playlist with friends or setting aside time to game online and chat with other gamers, students are connecting with each other and giving themselves a mental break from study," she says.

Passive browsing can be totally okay, too.

"Sharing and scrolling through favourite memes and videos can also provide a fun way to relax," she adds.

As a productivity nerd, I can confirm that taking breaks to check social media can actually be a really useful strategy to motivate you.

One helpful technique is the Pomodoro method — where you do 25 minutes of uninterrupted work (no distractions!) and take timed 5 minute breaks where you can check socials to your heart's content.

Then, you just rinse and repeat!

So, if you find yourself stressing this study season, we officially give you permission to procrastinate — so long as you do it wisely!

Emma Norris

Emma is Deputy Editor at Girlfriend magazine. She's obsessed with being cozy at all times, eating cheese, binge-watching comedy shows and reading Facebook comments about anything and everything.

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Experts say checking social media can help you ace your exams

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