As a self-diagnosed procrastinator, I can attest to how easy it is to get derailed when working on a major assignment for class or a presentation for work. While the technology that this internet age has blessed us with certainly makes getting work done more efficiently, it has also supplied ample amounts of Kryptonite for us "Last-Minute Heroes." So, without further ado, here is a list of the top 5 websites that are weaknesses to procrastinators.
1. YouTube.
Let's be real! Unless you're giving yourself a crash course on microbiology or using a video as part of a presentation, there is no reason to be on YouTube when writing a paper. Especially if the paper's due in an hour. Yet, I can't begin to tally up the countless hours spent watching corgi compilations or Shane Dawson conspiracy theory videos. If the death of net neutrality takes away full access for us poor procrastinators who can't afford a premium package, it may be for the best.
2. Wikipedia.
Similar to YouTube, if you're writing an academic paper, you shouldn't even be on Wikipedia. Even though it can help you find sources through the reference section, there are way better (and way less distracting) sites and databases that will lead you to much better sources (Google Scholar and JStor to name a few). The main reason Wikipedia brings us to our knees is the endless wormhole of information it sucks you in to. One minute you'll be reading about Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, the next you'll find yourself reading about how Matthew McConaughey was driving a Lincoln before they paid him to drive a Lincoln. If you get as derailed as I do with these findings, I advise that you avoid the site altogether (but Wikimedia Commons is awesome, so please support the Wiki community).
3. Google.
Ever wonder how much Shaq is worth? You can Google it. Ever wonder how long it would take you to get to Pluto? You can Google it. Ever wonder what the lifespan of a corgi is? You can Google it (it's an average of 12-14 years. Yes, I have a problem). Want to know how much time the average person spends procrastinating on their coursework doing random Google searches? Wait, what am I doing? I need to finish this list.
4. Google (with no internet connection).
If you've used Google, it's likely that you've come across this screen. Typically, web users run the diagnostics on their Wi-Fi network or restart their computers. If your procrastination levels are off the charts, however, your natural instinct is to hit the space bar and start playing the greatest platformer since "Super Mario Bros." I've beaten the game only once and have completely forgotten my score. Whenever I attempt to redeem myself, the damn internet reconnects. Figures.
5. Nearly every social media site.
Social media is to the procrastinator as the Joker is to Batman. It knows that you'll never delete it, but that doesn't stop it from ruining your life and driving you to the brink of insanity. Don't get me wrong, social media is great (I encourage you to like, reshare, and comment on my articles) but every app has a bottomless pit they falsely label as a "feed" when, in actuality, they're troughs designed to lead you to slaughter. Good luck getting out of it too because once you see one Tom Brady "Butterfingers" meme that your friend posted, you must see every football meme ever created.
Hopefully, you have more self-constraint than I do. If not, no worries. Just block every site that isn't Microsoft Office, your school's website or a research database (and Odyssey, once you've finished everything). Be strong.