The number of smartphones usage is growing drastically due to its computing capabilities, features, easy connection to the rest of the world. No matter how it may sound, research has revealed that our unbearable itch to check on social media does not only reduces our productivity at work but our brain power as well.
Worldwide smartphone sales in the fourth quarter of 2016. (Thousands of units.) Image Source: Gartner
A Study was conducted by Adrian Ward of the University of Texas at Austin, with his colleagues. They measured the brain power of about 700 smartphone users while partaking in different tasks.These participants were asked to complete various tests which measured their memory abilities in an effort to determine the amount of information their brains could handle. Individuals were then selected at random to keep their smartphone either in their pocket or on the desk at which they were sitting or in a totally separate room.
From the researcher’s observation, those who were told to keep their smartphone in a separate room performed better as compared to those who had their devices readily available. Moreover, those who had their smartphones in their pocket performed better than those whose phones were visible on the desk in front of them.
The conclusion of the study shows that the mere presence of your smartphone can heavily hinder your ability to process information and carry out tasks, even if you are not actually using it.
