Everyone’s Talking About It
How many times have you checked your smartphone today?
Twice?
Three times?
Or have you lost count?
For many of us, the panic-induced feeling of being without a smartphone is a common one. The uncertainty and lack of control that overcomes us is astounding.
Now, this theory has been put to the test.
New research suggests that, without your smartphone, you are a less functional version of yourself; with increased anxiety and stress. The Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication completed this study to see exactly how we humans react to this common, yet surprisingly distressing circumstance.
The test they created involved 40 iPhone users. Participants were asked to complete word puzzles whilst in the close and comfortable proximity of their smartphone. For the second word puzzle the participants, their iPhones were placed at a distance. The smartphone was at a close enough proximity for the participant to hear, but far away enough for them to not be able to answer.
Unsurprisingly, there was a slightly different result in the second-half of the test.
Results included an elevated heart rate, higher blood pressure and self-reported feelings of anxiety. Their performances also suffered on the puzzles.
Hard, cold evidence has proved it; we are very reliant on our phones, and are probably best to stay close to them if we want to get through a word search.
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