Self-Control

By EmilyH on November 29th, 2009, 12:00 pm 4 Comments

We all know that it’s hard to write an essay or actually get work done on our computers.  There are so many distractions like, Facebook, imdb, Wikipedia…anything!  Self control is an application (for Mac’s) that blocks our access to incoming and outgoing email, and websites of your choice.  You can block these things, but still use a web browser for something else.  For instance, if you had to do research online.  As soon as the timer is set, you can not stop the program by turning off your computer or even deleting the application!

This application was developed by Charlie Stigler for Steve Lambert at Eyebeam.  Stigler is a high school student in the US who is interested in computer security.

Justin actually mentioned another program similar to this in class.  I definitely need this application, however, I would probably find something else to distract me, like surfing Google or online shopping.  I love the idea though.  When it comes to homework very few student have the self control to focus on one thing at a time.

Category: blog | Tags: application eyebeam home work Mac | Permalink: Self-Control

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4 Responses to “Self-Control”

1. christine says:

   November 29, 2009 at 5:22 pm

   Sounds like a great program! I think alot of students could benefit from this, myself included. I especially like how even if you try to shut down your computer or delete the program, it still won’t let you access those other distracting programs and websites – it’s very clever.

   It is interesting and somewhat ironic that we would need a computer program to monitor and intervene in our work habits, because technology offers so many distractions and we lack the self-control to focus on a single task at hand.
2. mackenziedarrach says:

   November 29, 2009 at 10:46 pm

   i think this is so smart! It’s something that a lot of students could benefit from (including myself). Especially when you need to do research, but there are so many other things on the internet to distract you..
   and i definitely agree with christine in the fact that we need technology to focus us, when its technology that’s providing most of the distractions in the first place.
3. laska says:

   November 30, 2009 at 1:43 pm

   i stick to old school methods…. i go to the library find a booth in a corner.. jam in my ear plugs, don’t bring my phone and camp out for the day!

   always works for me!
4. EmilyH says:

   November 30, 2009 at 5:42 pm

   I also agree that its pretty sad our generation can no longer focus on one task at a time. I know that’s definitely one of my problem while doing…well, anything. I watch tv, go on my laptop and read all at the some time. Not a good thing.

   I wish I could do that, Laska. But especially for this course, its hard to do, since all the work is on the computer! Very distracting…