Society contemplates the purpose of the Daylight Saving Time system.
Everyone is aware of the single hour change that occurs twice during the year, but many don’t know the purpose behind these time changes. The Daylight Saving Time system has altered people’s schedules in both drastic and moderate ways while performing its duties.
Daylight saving time essentially happens with the advancement of the clock an hour ahead, beginning in March going until November, where the clock falls back an hour. This is done to have more hours of daylight in conventional waking times during the summer.
This system of harnessing more daylight is used for the advantages of sun energy. Originally, the United States adopted summer Daylight Saving Time during World War I to conserve fuel by minimizing the need for artificial light. It has continued due to the belief that the increase in light from the Daylight saving time conserves the amount of electricity used. The common myth that farmers are the reason for this system is false; Daylight Saving Time disrupts farming schedules rather than assists.
Rachel Jacobs ‘26 voices her opinion on the use of Daylight Saving Time: “I love Daylight savings because it stirs up and adds some spice to your life. One day you may get to sleep in an hour, but the next time the clock changes you wake up an hour earlier.” Jacobs does point out that driving to school following a time change can be unnerving because of the strangeness of driving in the dark, but, “[Despite that], I think that this system has a positive [impact on my life] and should continue to be used.”
On the other hand, Ethan Jiang ‘26 explains how the recent revert to standard time has affected his routine: “[The time change] has definitely changed my routine in the mornings. Now that there is more daylight around 6-7 AM, I have been waking up earlier.”
With the sun setting at about five o’clock in the evening, Jiang says he has noticed a pattern in going to bed earlier as a result of feeling more drowsy. He describes an indifference towards this system because it has only affected his productivity slightly.
Societal opinions have emphasized the negative effects of Daylight saving time. From disrupting sleep schedules and jeopardizing people’s health to disturbing farming practices, this system has taken a toll on lifestyles. Thus, many have sought out dropping the practice. Russia, India, Hawaii, and most of Mexico and Arizona are a few of the many territories that don’t use Daylight saving time, and have had it removed. In the United States, there have been efforts made by the Senate to abolish Daylight Saving Time, but the bill for this legislation did not make it out of the House.
Daylight Saving Time has stirred mixed feelings and experiences. From its beginnings in saving fuel during World War I to today’s debates about its usefulness, the clock’s impact on our lives remains a topic of discussion. The use of the system prevails in the present, yet, the future of Daylight Saving Time stays in question.
