This week’s topic is really interesting to talk about because I have so many things want to share.
I am an international student, and I left the U.S. and came back to my home country in late May last year. At the beginning, I believed that studying at home definitely can increase the connection with others, especially with family at home. Well, it was true at the beginning. Since we didn’t have more COVID cases in the country during summer time, I hung out with my friends quite often. I traveled with friends and family, and I really enjoyed the time which I didn’t need to have classes.
However, this close connection becomes wider when class begins, which my friends, including myself, need to stay at home for most of the time. I didn’t feel any discomfort in the fall semester, but when the online format continues in 2021, I become “crazy”. Just like the reading mentions, I don’t see a clear transition between school and leisure. I take classes and do assignments next to my bed, and I am extremely anxious because I don’t see the transition anymore.
3 weeks ago, I asked myself what I was doing everyday. I felt depressed because it seemed like homework will never be done until May, and everyday’s routine is the same. I lost motivation. I close myself and refuse to socialize with others.
So how does the Internet serve my needs?
I thought I would say “watching video is a good relaxation way” last semester, but now, it is hard to think of an example on which the internet can really “serve” my needs. I hate wasting time, and spending time on using the internet makes me feel guilty, especially doing endless “scrolling” which I cannot even control myself.
However, one good thing that the internet brings to me was that it makes my life more convenient. When I realized the anxiety which I’ve never experienced before, I decided to stop studying and go outside. Therefore, I booked air tickets and hotels from the internet and traveled for several days; now, I am refreshed!!!
I talk about many personal experiences and feelings in this post because this is what I feel that the internet has brought to me during COVID-19. Spending time on doing meaningless things is not entertainment for me, and everyone should also find the best way to reduce the negativity that the internet causes in this special period.