Constant access to information, entertainment, and one another is simplified by our smartphones, which rarely leave our sides. While these devices have the potential to enhance happiness, their constant presence may come with a mental cost. Studies reveal that using cell phones while multitasking, such as driving or walking, can be distracting and impair performance. Recent research in the article “Psychological and physiological effects of applying self-control to the mobile phone” shows that the mere sight of a cell phone, symbolizing social ties and networks, can be equally distracting during social interactions. Two experiments conducted within the article confirm that the mere presence of a cell phone can lead to attention deficits and poor task performance, especially in activities requiring high cognitive processing. The consequences of this could be significant, affecting efficiency in workplaces and especially for university students in schools.
According to the “brain drain” theory, owning a smartphone may compromise cognitive performance by consuming limited cognitive resources. Even situations where students successfully resist checking their phones show that the presence of these devices reduces cognitive capacity. Surprisingly, higher smartphone dependance is linked to more significant cognitive impairments.
In addition to cognitive impacts, high cell phone usage is associated with physical costs such as eye strain, neck pain, and back pain. Spending excessive time looking down at a phone can strain neck muscles, leading to tightness or spasms. Nerve pain may radiate to the back, shoulder, and arm, while vibrations from phones can impact tendons, muscles, bones, joints, and the nervous system.
No matter how we look at it, taking a physical and mental break from our devices, may improve our health in a variety of ways unbenounced to us before.
Reference
Markowitz, D. M., Hancock, J. T., Bailenson, J. N., & Reeves, B. (2019). Psychological and physiological effects of applying self-control to the mobile phone. PLOS ONE, 14(11). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0224464