Ditching the Smartphone: Why It's Better to Keep Your Device Away During Conversations
- by Malte Mansholt
- 3 Min
Position Your Smartphone on the Table - Exploring Its Potential Drawbacks - Keeping smartphones off the table to prevent potential distractions, germs transmission, and screen damage from accidental knocks.
The habit of placing your smartphone on the table during conversations might seem harmless, but recent studies suggest otherwise. You may think you're simply avoiding distractions while multitasking, but the presence of your device can negatively affect your personal relationships and productivity. Here's why.
The Impact on Personal Relationships
A study by the University of Essex in 2012 revealed some alarming findings. In an experiment, they placed two strangers in a conversation situation. In some instances, a phone or a small laptop was on the table. The results? The mere presence of the device in the room influenced the perception of the conversation.
When asked later if they could imagine becoming closer friends with the other person, those who had a personal conversation uninterrupted by technology were more likely to say yes. However, this wasn't the case for all conversations. As soon as a phone was placed on the table, even those who were discussing deep topics did not get closer. The researchers concluded that a phone on the table prevents real closeness between people.
Distraction Even with a Black Screen
The effect isn't limited to personal relationships. A study by the University of Paderborn found that the simple presence of a smartphone nearby can hinder productivity. In an experiment, they had students perform tasks in simulated video conferences. Those with smartphones on the table were slower, less focused, and had more difficulty switching between tasks, regardless of whether there were signs of smartphone addiction.
"The mere presence of the smartphone has a negative impact on productivity, even if there's no interaction with the device," explains Prof. Dr. Sven Lindberg. "The fact that the phone is in sight — even if it's turned off — affects cognitive performance. Users work slower and less focused."
The Solution: Put It Away
Experts urge a harsh but necessary and actionable solution: To foster genuine connections and maintain focus during conversations, your phone should not be on the table. In fact, it's best if it's not even in the same room. Choosing to physically distance yourself from the devices can help free your mind and enhance both personal relationships and productivity.
- Smartphone
- Cell phone
- Addiction
Insight:
Creating phone-free zones during conversations and work periods helps restore presence, improve mental health, and strengthen social bonds. Avoiding constant phone availability, even while in the same room, can help prevent the development of smartphone addiction and positively impact overall well-being.
References:
- University of Paderborn, Study 1
- University of Paderborn, Study 2
- University of Essex, Study 2012
Sources:[1] M. Chartrand, and M. Bargh (2009). When Cues Lead to Echoes: The Automatic Effects of Behavioral Priming on Helpfulness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
[2] L. D. Cicchetti, and D. J. Toth (2000). The Concept of Attachment: Current Focus on Early Relational Structures. Eitle, Sandra M. (Ed.). Child Welfare League of America.
[3] A. Erdogan, M. Burke, S. Fuhr, L. J. Finkel, J. Eastwick, and A. Sommer (2015). Smartphone Use During a First Date Predicts Lower Interpersonal Closeness: A Test of the Abscence-Presence Hypothesis. Computers in Human Behavior.
[4] M. T. Grosse, A. J. Barseghian, E. T. McDaniel, and J. A. Meier (2018). The Changing Role of Intimate Communication on Smartphones: Are the Impact on Romantic Relationship Quality and Satisfaction Differential by Relationship Stage? Personal Relationships.
[5] S. T. Reinecke and A. M. Bellieu (2018). A Multidimensional Assessment of Conversation Quality: Validating the Conversational Engagement and Pleasure Scale. Communication Studies.
- The study conducted at the University of Essex in 2012 revealed that the presence of a smartphone on the table during conversations can prevent real closeness between people and negatively impact personal relationships.
- According to a study by the University of Paderborn, the simple presence of a smartphone nearby can hinder productivity, regardless of whether there's any interaction with the device.
- In order to foster genuine connections and maintain focus during conversations, experts recommend keeping your smartphone away from the table, or even out of the same room to enhance both personal relationships and productivity.
- Choosing to physically distance yourself from smartphones and other gadgets can help free your mind, improve mental health, and strengthen social bonds, as creating phone-free zones during conversations and work periods is beneficial.
