In today’s current Covid-19 pandemic, students across the United States have been forced to stay home to get assignments done. Although it is a way to stop the spread, it also damages student life more than you would think. On a daily basis, our students are sitting at a desk in front of a computer for more than 6 hours, meaning 6 hours of screen time and seat time. Students aren’t only expected to self-discipline and multitask, they are expected to work through problems like parents and internet difficulties. An online article ”How online learning can affect student health” by Amrita Balram, states ”Online learning has also affected the physical activity levels of students. Not walking between classes has made some students stationary for hours on end in front of their computers,” which may lead to poor health habits. 

As a student who is dealing with online classes, multitasking takes up a large portion of my day. Worse, it is proven that multitasking reduces efficiency to perform. Multitasking can create higher levels of stress, and produces a hormone called cortisol that leaves us low on energy, making it more difficult to get things done correctly. 

 “Heavy multitaskers” experience a higher IQ drop than a student who stays up all night or smokes pot. A reason for our multitasking is due to cramming of tasks. Our brain doesn’t automatically put a filter on our thoughts, making everything on your to-do list seem like one task. Ways to cut down on multitasking is writing everything down either on a calendar or in a planner and cross each task off when finished. 

On top of problems with multitasking, eye care professionals have been reporting eye strain issues due to virtual learning. Several thousands of students are sitting in front of a computer screen for more than 6-7 hours per day, every day. When we look at a computer screen the last thing on our mind is our eyesight. The amount of screen time spent can also cause insomnia, and headaches due to the glare and brightness of the screen. An article by the brain vision institute gives helpful tips on how to protect your eyes from strain.