October Exams: Time to disconnect from Whatsapp?

Kelvin Chiringa
Zimsec Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations are around the corner and a lot of students have switched to intensive study mode.
The exams per se are not always predictable, hence a natural fear automatically prompts students to dig into their study packs.
We all reap what we sow and loss of attention is the last thing one needs. However, with the distraction that comes with Whatsapp, especially around this summer season, is it time then for final candidates to disconnect?

Cool Lifestyle got in touch with several students who shared their views on the likely impact of social media for those bracing up for exams.

“To a lesser extent social media can help in the preparation for exams but to a greater extent it is a huge distraction.

“The way instant messages get bombarded in one’s phone during study time greatly deviates one’s attention from otherwise serious academic topics that need serious attention,” said Kudakwashe Tangwa (19) from Pace College.

Danai Mlambo (16) from Churchill Boys’ High believed social media peddled more jokes and social issues than useful academic information.

“The time to disconnect from Whatsapp or any such social media is now before it’s too late. Whatsapp like Facebook is a social platform where jokes and social issues are shared more than academic information,” said Danai.

The use of Whatsapp can get to a point of being highly addictive and this could be dangerous at such a time when one has to be addicted more to books.

“Whatsapp can really be so addictive and the many videos we receive have nothing of academic use as we brace for our exams.

“Having Whatsapp on one’s phone while studying has such an intoxicating effect that one is prompted to be a part of sharing any jokes that would have gone viral and this will easily deviate one’s attention from the books,” said Sabina Zhakata from Hatfield Girls High.

However, Theresa Makuvapasi (17) from Goromonzi High School expressed different sentiments highlighting how students could create study groups and share academic information.

“Disconnecting from Whatsapp could not be a wise decision after all since it is all about how you use it.

“For instance students preparing for these October exams could create online study groups which will help them in always being together and encouraging each other to study any time, after all this is one great advantage of social media,” said Makuvapasi.

With nine subjects to tackle in the upcoming October exams, Edrien Manjiche (16) from Mt Pleasant High School is not ready to uninstall Whatsapp as he believes this will help in sharing questions and answers with his mates.

“I will enter these exams with Whatsapp still on my phone, even though the application has been demonised as a huge distraction but it is helping me share information on the subjects I am writing with my friends. With Whatsapp communication is easy and one can tell friends to wake up anytime of the night and study. In that process it is easy to discuss topics online,” he said.

Clearly to disconnect or not to is a debatable topic, perhaps the decision rests with the students, but the ultimate goal is to have a destruction-free study environment that ensures good results.