As smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, the impact of these devices on our cognitive and affective functioning has become a topic of concern. Sensationalist articles with titles such as “Are Smartphones Making Us Dumber?” and “Is Your Smartphone Making You Fat and Lazy?” have raised questions about the effects of smartphone technology on our mental abilities. But what does the scientific literature actually say?
In this article, we will explore the association between smartphone technology and cognitive and affective functioning. We will discuss the extant research in terms of the specific claims made by researchers and offer insights into the limitations and challenges faced in this field. Throughout our discussion, we will examine the evidence relating to attention, memory, delay of gratification, and everyday cognitive functioning.
Challenges and Limitations in Scope
Before we delve into the research, it is important to note the challenges and limitations in this area. The scientific literature is still in its nascent stages, and the specific claims made by researchers are not yet fully substantiated. The scope of this review is limited to work directly relevant to smartphone technology, with a focus on attention, memory, and delay of gratification. We also acknowledge that there are other important aspects of smartphone technology, such as problematic usage and the effects of radio frequency electromagnetic fields, which fall outside the scope of this article.
Mobile Technology Use and Attention
One concern raised about smartphone technology is its potential impact on attentional abilities. The rising incidence of attentional difficulties, such as ADHD, in children and adolescents has been linked to increased multimedia device use. Studies have shown that smartphones can acutely interfere with ongoing cognitive tasks through endogenous and exogenous interruptions. Endogenous interruptions occur when individuals are driven by their own desire for instant gratification. Exogenous interruptions occur when external cues, such as smartphone notifications, capture attention. These interruptions can have negative effects on focused attention and task completion, as well as an impact on tasks that require sustained attention. The effects of smartphone interruptions are particularly concerning in situations where attention is crucial for safety, such as distracted driving.
Research has also explored media multitasking, the simultaneous use of multiple media technologies via smartphones. The evidence on the relationship between media multitasking and attentional abilities is mixed, with some studies showing a negative relationship and others showing no effect. It is worth noting that individuals who engage in frequent media multitasking may have reduced attentional capacity and cognitive control, as well as difficulty filtering distractions. However, it is important to acknowledge that frequent media multitasking is also associated with some cognitive benefits, such as improved selective attention and task-switching skills, particularly in action video game playing.
Mobile Technology Use, Memory, and Knowledge
Smartphones provide instant access to a vast database of collective knowledge, but their constant availability may impact cognitive functions. Research suggests that the expectation of having later access to information can reduce the tendency to encode and store that information in long-term memory. This “Google Effect” can lead individuals to rely on external sources of information, such as smartphones, instead of committing information to memory. Studies also show that taking photographs can diminish memory for observed objects, possibly due to a reduced need to encode and remember information when it is easily accessible through digital devices. It is worth noting that the impact on memory might vary depending on the type of smartphone usage and the content being accessed.
Mobile Technology Use, Delay of Gratification, and Reward Processing
There is a common belief that smartphone technology has led to a cultural shift toward a need for immediate gratification. Research suggests that heavy smartphone users are more likely to choose smaller, more immediate rewards over larger rewards after a delay. This tendency for immediate gratification may be influenced by smartphone-related habits, such as media multitasking and excessive smartphone usage. There is also evidence that frequent media multitasking can reduce an individual’s capacity to delay gratification and exert self-control. Brain imaging studies have shown that engaging with smartphones and social media can activate the brain’s reward circuitry, influencing behavior and potentially contributing to addictive patterns. However, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of smartphone use on delay of gratification and reward processing.
Mobile Technology Use and Everyday Cognitive Functioning
Smartphone usage has also been linked to academic performance, with higher levels of smartphone use associated with poorer performance. Heavy smartphone use and media multitasking have been shown to correlate with lower executive functioning skills, such as working memory and inhibition. Other research suggests that smartphone usage and media multitasking may impact sleep quality and mood, which in turn can affect cognitive functioning. The effects of smartphone use may depend on individual differences in cognitive skills, self-regulation, and impulsivity.
Conclusion
Although research on the cognitive impacts of smartphone technology is still limited, there is growing evidence that smartphone use can have both positive and negative effects on attention, memory, delay of gratification, and everyday cognitive functioning. The specific impacts may depend on factors such as the type of smartphone usage, individual differences, and the context in which smartphones are used. Future research should investigate the longitudinal effects of smartphone use, the impact on young children, and potential mitigation strategies. Smartphones also present opportunities for researchers to collect data and gain insights into cognitive processes. As smartphones continue to shape our lives, it is crucial to understand their effects and find ways to optimize our relationship with these devices.