Though the time I spend here on HN is both enjoyable and educational, a few months ago I ran an interesting test. For each article I read, I wrote down a one line entry on a piece of paper noting the site and basic gist of the article. The next day, before I was "allowed" to read any more articles on HN, I sat down with the blank side of said piece of paper from yesterday, and wrote down the articles I remembered.

I hate to admit it, but my retention rate was just miserable, probably less than 50%. Sure, remembering stuff "cold" on the next day is different than remembering an association during a conversation (e.g. "Ya, I read something about 'X' the other day."), but it was enough to make me wonder if my educational entertainment reading was time well spent, or time wasted?

Everyone needs breaks, and it's fun to keep up with what's going on in the world, but I might be better off doing something else...