Life of a Modern Day Student: Pros and Cons

What's Different?

Student life has changed dramatically over the past few decades. From new technology to social media, the days of overdue library books and heavy bags are long since gone.

Being a modern student comes with many advantages, however, it sometimes isn't all its worked up to be. 

Here are a few pros and cons of being a student in the modern age:

Pros

The main benefit of being a student today is the fast and easy access to information, or to put it bluntly; the internet. The internet is so useful for students especially when it comes to their studies. It not only provides students with academic material but can also update students about activities with in their area i.e., student events etc…

Social media apps such as Instagram are bombarded with student deals, adverts and social events. This provides relief from the pressures of student life and gives new students the opportunity to meet new people outside of the classroom.

Support for students is easier to access than ever. Not only can this help in academic terms, but also in improving mental health and wellbeing. 

Cons

Technology has improved immensely but so has its power to distract you. Notifications left right and centre it can seem impossible these days to get any work done. My only advice is to switch of the phone or turn off notifications. 

Although I've listed the internet as a benefit to students, it also has negative impacts, especially when it comes to social media. Apps such as Instagram and Snapchat are great for communicating with friends and getting updates but they also cement an unhealthy outlook within the minds of young people. Everyday use of social media can put pressure on young people to present themselves online in a way that is "ideal". The truth is that most posts about peoples lives online do not reflect reality whether it be how someone looks, what their food looks like, how great their life is etc... They are just snapshots which don't show the whole picture. The problem is some students may feel under pressure to live up to their peers online. This could lead to feelings of unhappiness and may result in mental health issues. This isn't to say young people haven't faced this pressure in the past, but today its stronger than ever. Ultimately my advice to new students is to not compare your lives to others online and set limits for yourself when it comes to social media consumption.