The Influence of Chat Notifications from a Crush on My Consistency in Writing a Thesis

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of chat notifications from a “crush” on the author’s consistency in working on a thesis. The research type employed is a reflective autoethnographic study with a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were obtained through the author’s daily journals, reflective analysis of personal experiences, and internal triangulation by comparing baseline days without notifications and days with notifications from a significant individual. The findings indicate that chat notifications have a dual impact. On the one hand, notifications can foster motivation, joy, and renewed energy that encourage thesis completion as a form of academic achievement. On the other hand, notifications often serve as distractions that reduce focus, disrupt thought flow, and decrease long-term productivity. The positive or negative effects are strongly influenced by the author’s emotional state, making self-regulation a key factor in minimizing digital distractions and maintaining learning consistency. This study illustrates that a seemingly simple phenomenon, such as chat notifications from a crush, can have significant implications for the psychological, cognitive, and academic dynamics of students.