From Facebook to Angry Birds, smart phones seem to have it all. They can even have some students at the University of Idaho distracted from classes, studying and the real world.
“I am somewhat distracted by my smart phone, I have games on it and (the) Internet, but during class I put it away because I pay for my education,” said Bill Tracey, junior broadcasting major.
Many students use their phones to check Facebook.
“I use my phone mostly for phone calls, texting, (listening to) Pandora and news, I check my Facebook about two to three times a day,” Tracey said.
Life before smartphones was different for the students who have them now.
“Before I had a smart phone, my life was less complex and less confusing,” Tracey said.
Junior Eric Rosentreder doesn’t have a smart phone and said he appreciates the freedom from the digital world.
“I am never distracted by my phone in class,” Rosentreder said.
Rosentreder said he doesn’t use his phone for playing games or checking Facebook.
“I use my phone for texting, talking, work and getting a hold of friends that aren’t right next door,” Rosentreder said.
Since he does not have on-the-go access to the Internet, Rosentreder said he only checks his Facebook once or twice a day.
Junior Erika Wood finds that she can’t keep her hands off her smart phone.
“I am distracted by my smart phone most of the time,” Wood said.
Wood said she uses her phone for texting, talking, sending pictures to friends, checking Facebook and Pinterest.
“I am very involved in social networking,” Wood said. “I use Facebook and Pinterest constantly to post things I’ve created.”
Since purchasing a smartphone, Wood said she is on it constantly for at least six hours a day.
“My life was a lot different before I had a smart phone, I wasn’t constantly distracted by (it),” Wood said. “I was more physically social rather than texting people to talk.”
Danielle Yantis can be reached at [email protected]