The Internet Dilemma

Pre-College Topics High School Life
1

<p>Hello.</p>

<p>By non-CC standards, I'm an academically above-average student: I have a 4.0 GPA and I received a 219 PSAT score as a Sophomore. My grades and test scores alone are sufficient to get me into most colleges. Of course, being academically above-average, I would really like to go to an above-average school - I'm currently eying Harvard, MIT, Columbia, etc.</p>

<p>Clearly, I'm ambitious, diligent, and it would seem that I'm going to be successful, even if I don't end up at a top college. But I don't really feel that way (here's where I start backing off from the "what can I do to get into College X?" question). Every day, when I get home from school, I do my homework, study, etc. This is all fine. The problem is that I spend my free time browsing the web, watching funny videos, looking at funny pictures, etc... It's fun, and I feel like I could do it for the rest of my life, but it's SO unproductive! It's not helping anyone - it's a complete waste of time. I could be doing so much more worthwhile stuff: I could be exploring different activities, such as piano, chess, or basketball, or I could be reading, teaching about different subjects, teaching myself a new language, etc... Practically anything is more 'productive' than browsing the web.</p>

<p>I feel that the web, video games, etc. have hindered my social development/my development of any serious interests. I have loved gaming and relaxing ever since I was a kid; I rarely read, played sports, or pursued any other hobby/interest.</p>

<p>What separates someone like me from someone like Philip Streich? I find it so much easier and fulfilling to read online posts/comics or watch videos than to painstakingly spend tons of time on a pursuit that I may not end up enjoying or pursuing for the rest of my life.</p>

<p>The sad part about it is that I only have two years left until I go to college. I know that pulling off interesting achievements doesn't require a lot of time or effort (relatively; this is opposed to building up a talent/passion, which does). I have neglected to try anything new or detach myself from my simple life, and I'm tired of it. I want to have REAL fun. I want to do interesting things. I want to change the world.</p>

<p>Is this really just a matter of being lazy/being too attached to the internet in the same way most people waste time watching TV? I'm certainly able to achieve, but I just can't motivate/dedicate myself to do it. Suggestions and comments are appreciated. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>cool story bro.</p>

3

<p>I think that there are probably some other things going on for you. People generally don’t find themselves stuck like you are (really wanting to do something - in your case using your time in ways that you see as more productive - but not being able to) unless they perceive a large obstacle in the way. It’s hard for me to believe that it’s just the enticing nature of the internet that’s keeping you from what you really want to do.</p>

<p>Regardless though, over time your disdain for how your spending your free time will probably grow until you won’t be able to tolerate surfing the web any longer, and you will try something - anything - that feels more productive. And your post is evidence that your already on this track (I would bet your more discontent with your behavior than you were a few months ago).</p>

<p>Of course, the troubling part is that there should not be so much internal conflict in the process. (Well, that is my view). I think self development (which is what you seem to be interested in - changing yourself for the better) should ideally be more fluid and continuous (more subconscious). You are wanting to take a sort of giant leap, however, which is obviously more challenging, but also interesting, and still, in my opinion, probably a good thing. I am just sorry that you may have to struggle.</p>

4

<p>^^ Win.</p>

<p>tanchar</p>

5

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/1049109-i-get-depressed-when-i-think-child-prodigies-historys-greats.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/1049109-i-get-depressed-when-i-think-child-prodigies-historys-greats.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

6

<p>Don’t always worry about being productive. Worry about being a kid and having (light, nonacademic) fun. I agree, though, there are other things you can do besides surf the 'net xD.</p>

7

<p>haha I got a 139 on my PSAT</p>

8

<p>I tend to tie a ribbon around my laptop so every time I think ‘I’ll just go on the internet…’ I look at my laptop and go and find something else to do. Or you could do something productive for an equal amount of time to being on the internet. Set an alarm for 30 minutes away, go on the internet then when the alarm goes off, set another one for 30 minutes and do something productive.</p>