Smartphone Present on Table Could Pose Potential Risks - Phone located on the table?
In a world where technology is a constant companion, it might seem harmless to leave your smartphone on the table during conversations. However, according to a study conducted at the University of Paderborn, the presence of a smartphone can have detrimental effects on both relational closeness and productivity.
Prof. Dr. Sven Lindberg, from the University of Paderborn, explains that the continuous presence of smartphones negatively impacts attention. In the study, when a phone or small laptop was on the table during a conversation, participants were less likely to imagine becoming closer friends with the other person, even in deep conversations [1].
The study, which involved two separate studies as sources, shows that the mere presence of a smartphone causes people to divide their attention between the device and the conversation, which diminishes feelings of closeness and connection [2]. This distraction impairs sustained attention, making it harder to complete tasks or engage deeply in social exchanges [2][4].
In a 2012 study by the University of Essex, the presence of a smartphone in a conversation was found to hinder closeness between people [3]. The researchers concluded that a nearby phone prevents real closeness between people, suggesting that to build personal relationships or work concentrated, the phone should not be on the table and is ideally not even in the same room.
Even when the smartphone is turned off, its presence affects cognitive performance and productivity. In an experiment, Lindberg and doctoral student Jeanette Skowronek found that the mere presence of a smartphone during simulated video conferences negatively affected productivity, focus, and task-switching abilities, regardless of signs of smartphone addiction [5]. The study found that the negative effects of a smartphone's presence on cognitive performance were true regardless of whether the user had signs of smartphone addiction.
The advice is to consciously decide to physically distance oneself from devices to truly free one's mind, even if one has the use of the device under control. By leaving the smartphone off the table and out of sight, we can foster deeper connections and improve productivity in our social interactions.
The presence of smartphones, as stated by Prof. Dr. Sven Lindberg's study at the University of Paderborn, can negatively impact the formation of closer relationships and productivity during interactions due to the divided attention caused by their mere presence, even if turned off. Employing a community policy or employment policy that discourages the use of gadgets, such as smartphones, during meetings or discussions could potentially enhance productivity and interpersonal connections in the workplace.
