Why constantly checking your phone can drain your focus and memory

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece in The Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Studies reveal that constantly checking your phone can drain your focus and memory over time
• Research indicates that frequent interruptions from smartphones contribute to attention lapses and memory failure, making it harder to focus on one task
• People tend to underestimate how often they check their devices, with many believing they pick up their phones around 10 times a day, when in reality it can be over 100

🔭 The context: The impact of constant phone checking goes beyond just interrupting productivity
• Frequent task-switching, triggered by unlocking the phone, has been shown to reduce cognitive performance, with some research suggesting it can cut productivity by as much as 80%
• Furthermore, the addictive nature of notifications and social media alerts exacerbates the problem by keeping our brains in a constant state of alertness and anxiety, leading to increased stress hormones like cortisol

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This growing reliance on smartphones and the ensuing cognitive overload is not just a personal issue but a reflection of broader societal and environmental implications
• As the world becomes increasingly connected, this technology-driven culture can influence not only mental health but also the efficiency of work processes across industries
• The continuous need for instant connectivity might lead to more stress-related health issues globally, further straining healthcare systems and mental well-being
• Mindful technology use can become a crucial part of addressing work-life balance and human resilience in the digital age

⏭️ What’s next: Experts suggest taking breaks from technology, turning off notifications, and being mindful of how often we reach for our phones as practical ways to reclaim focus and mental clarity.

💬 One quote: “Our phones are activating the same reward pathway as drugs and alcohol, creating a compulsive habit loop,” said Anna Lembke, a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine

📈 One stat: 66% of Americans check their phone within 10 minutes of waking up

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