As of: March 29, 2024, 10:22 p.m
By: Kilian Bäuml
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Hardly any other device has such a success story as the cell phone. But the smartphone also has its pitfalls, especially when it is in sight.
Kassel – The cell phone has long since become a constant companion in everyday life for most people. Wherever you go, your smartphone is always with you - even when you're eating. Often it is even placed on the table right in front of you. But what effect does the constant use of cell phones have?
In a study published in the University of Chicago Press Journals, researchers looked at how the mere presence of smartphones affects the ability to concentrate.
Study examines the effects of cell phones on the ability to concentrate
The smartphone has revolutionized and greatly influenced everyday life. This is also reflected in the study, in which around 800 people took part. According to the researchers, people interact with their smartphones on average 85 times a day, often as an alarm clock in the morning. In a survey, over 90 percent of participants said they never leave the house without their cell phone. 45 percent reported that they could not live without it.
The experts asked themselves how the dependence of small devices affects functions in life outside of the screen. The current study looked at the simple, visible presence of smartphones, for example when they are on the dining table - and came to a clear result.
You should not place your smartphone on the table in front of you. (Symbolic image) © imago
Study on the ability to concentrate: The cell phone is also distracting when you are not using it
In order to be able to evaluate the effects of cell phones on the ability to concentrate, the participants in the study were divided into three groups who stored their cell phones differently:
Group 1 kept the cell phone visibly close to them.
Group 2 also kept the cell phone nearby but not visible, for example in their pocket.
Group 3 left their cell phones in another room.
Tests were then carried out on the participants to test their ability to concentrate. They were not allowed to use their cell phones, even if they were literally within reach. The result of the experiment was clear: When the cell phone was in visible proximity, the participants were less concentrated.
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The study found that cell phones need attention, even if they are just there
The researchers in the study assume that even the simple presence of one's own cell phone requires some attention. Further concentration is required not to use the device. This attention control ensures that general concentration drops and your own performance decreases. This means that the cell phone gets attention even when you are not using it.
Editor's note: This text has already appeared in the past. Many readers were particularly interested in it. That's why we're offering it again.
The results are clearest among people who use their smartphones the most. Their cognitive abilities therefore decreased the most. It's best not to put your cell phone in plain sight when you need to concentrate. Another good piece of advice: you should definitely turn off your cell phone at night. (kiba)