Results showed that the participants in the first group “performed better” than those that left their phones on their desk. Moreover, the researchers also concluded that while participants successfully resisted the temptation to check their phones, the mere presence of smartphones still “reduced the available cognitive capacity” since it allowed additional information, entertainment, and sources of distraction to be within reach at all times.
What you can do about it:
When trying to accomplish a task, avoid placing your smartphone on your desk or inside your pocket. If you can, leave it inside a not-easy-to-reach drawer or in another room. Furthermore, disable as many notifications as you can and put your phone on silent mode.
It promotes “digital amnesia”
Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab coined the term “digital amnesia.” This refers to a person’s dependence on digital technology to recall important things.
When researching how smartphones can affect our health (particularly our memory), Kaspersky Lab conducted a study involving 1,000 US consumers ages 16 to 55. Alarmingly, 91 percent of the participants agreed that they use their smartphones as “an extension of their brains.” Furthermore, 44 percent admitted their phone “holds everything they need to recall or know.”
However, recalling important details is not the only concern. Many Americans stated that they would be “devastated” if they lost the data (such as photos) in their digital devices.
What you can do about it:
Aside from reducing the amount of time you spend on your smartphones, consider old-school ways of remembering things, such as planners, mnemonics, and sticky notes. Additionally, if you need to recall important information, resist the urge to check your phone right away. Instead, try remembering it first on your own.
It can make sleeping difficult
How else can smartphones affect your health? Research indicates that it can lead to sleep deprivation.
One study showed that people who use their digital devices right before bed find it more difficult to fall asleep. However, the connection doesn’t end there. The study also revealed that people who stay attached to their phones before bedtime experience a decrease in sleep quality and have trouble staying asleep throughout the night.
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