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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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.