Using
a cellphone to take a break during mentally challenging tasks does not allow the
brain to recharge effectively and may result in poorer performance, Rutgers
researchers found.
The
experiment, published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, assigned college
undergraduates to solve challenging sets of word puzzles. Halfway through, some
were allowed to take breaks using their cellphones. Others took breaks using
paper or a computer while some took no break at all.
The
participants who took phone breaks experienced the highest levels of mental
depletion and were among the least capable of solving the puzzles afterwards.
Their post-break efficiency and quickness was comparable to those with no break.
Their number of word problems solved after the break was slightly better than
those who took no break, but worse than all other participants.
Participants who took a break on their cell phone took 19% longer to do the rest
of the task, and solved 22% fewer problems than did those in the other break
conditions combined.
"The
act of reaching for your phone between tasks, or mid-task, is becoming more
commonplace. It is important to know the costs associated with reaching for this
device during every spare minute. We assume it's no different from any other
break - but the phone may carry increasing levels of distraction that make it
difficult to return focused attention to work tasks," said Terri Kurtzberg,
co-author and associate professor of management and global business at Rutgers
Business School.
"Cellphones
may have this effect because even just seeing your phone activates thoughts of
checking messages, connecting with people, access to ever-refilling information
and more, in ways that are different than how we use other screens like
computers, and laptops," she continued.
The
414 participants were given sets of 20 word puzzles. Some were given a break
halfway through, during which they were told to choose three items to buy within
a specific budget, using either their cellphone, a paper circular or a computer.
They were told to type or write the reasons for their selections.
The
study was co-authored by Rutgers Business School doctoral candidate Sanghoon
Kang.
Via Eurekalert