Distraction, procrastination fueled by websites

Distraction and procrastination are all too typical for students, especially when it is time to research papers, write essays, or study for exams.

But it’s not all bad. Sometimes the brain benefits from a little break. Here are three Web sites that are most likely to keep your eyes away from the books and on your laptop, making you laugh away the hours you should be using to do homework.

College Humor (www.collegehumor.com): Launched in 1999 by two high school friends, this site features funny videos, photos, articles, and cartoons that are sure to keep you busy.

Even though they give the option for their users to upload their own material, the site has a talented staff of recent college graduates who create their own videos.

"Hardly Working" and "Jake and Amir" are two of the most popular shows, where the staffers play themselves in sarcastic and funny sketches around the office of College Humor. 

Their blog-like articles usually target contemporary topics our generation identifies with, such as love, relationships and various aspects of college life.

The Onion (www.theonion.com): Ever since the launch of its fake newspaper Web site in 2007, The Onion has published satirical articles in newspaper-like style of writing that is actually mocking journalism.

When you visit this site, it feels as if you are visiting The New York Times or HuffingtonPost. But as you read their outrageous headlines, you will start to notice the difference.

Some of their recent funny headlines include “How to put the spark back into your relationship with your cat” and “White House infested with bedbugs after Biden brings in recliner off the curb.”

The Web site has articles that can make you laugh for days, as well as videos and photographs created by the staff.

Oddly Specific (www.oddlyspecific.com): If you are the type of person who is amused by awkward situations and has an odd sense of humor, then this site is the one for you. Photographs with misspelled and funny signs people find all around the world are constantly published here.

An example of the signs is “Tree never hits an automobile, except in self defense.” Confusing signs that lead you in the wrong direction are really popular, too. A good pastime for those in need of a break.

Be advised that some of the content of these Web sites may not be suitable for all readers.
It is recommended that you keep your use of these sites to a minimum during the semester, since they can consume your valuable time without even realizing it.

They are a great source of entertainment and provide a good laugh during this stressful but exciting stage of our lives in college.