The Impact of Smartphone Visibility on Our Cognitive Capacity

During our workshops, we kindly ask all participants to put their smartphones and computers in their bags. Participants report that there is increased social interaction and retention of the course content. One kind participant shared new research on the effect of smartphones on our cognitive capacity.

The researchers in this study assigned groups of students to the...

• Desk condition (high salience - having the smartphone on the work desk)

• Pocket/bag condition (medium salience - having the smartphone in a pocket or bag)

• Other room condition (low salience - having it in a separate room)

The researchers conclude: "Results from two experiments indicate that even when people are successful at maintaining sustained attention—as when avoiding the temptation to check their phones—the mere presence of these devices reduces available cognitive capacity."

"Brain Drain: The Mere Presence of One’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity" by Adrian F. Ward, Kristen Duke, Ayelet Gneezy, and Maarten W. Bos

On a personal note, in addition to implementing the bag condition at work, I've also embraced the other room condition at home. I've switched from using my smartphone as a morning alarm to a classic old-school alarm clock, leaving the smartphone in a different room than the bedroom. This change has significantly reduced my screen time.

Using the medium or low salience approach to smart phones increases your focus and attention