Brain Drain
The Mere Presence of One’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 23322274 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Adrian F Ward (0000-0001-8318-7963), Kristen Duke (0000-0002-9729-1232, University of California San Diego), Ayelet Gneezy (0000-0001-6443-4615, University of California San Diego, corresponding author), Maarten W Bos (0000-0001-5020-4990) |
| Year | 2017 |
| Volume | 2 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 140-154 |
| Publication date | 2017-04-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of the Association for Consumer Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2378-1815 • E-ISSN: 2378-1823 |
| Publisher | University of Chicago Press (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1086/691462 |
| OpenAlex | W2605310309 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 152 |
| References cited | 63 |
Our smartphones enable—and encourage—constant connection to information, entertainment, and each other. They put the world at our fingertips, and rarely leave our sides. Although these devices have immense potential to improve welfare, their persistent presence may come at a cognitive cost. In this research, we test the “brain drain” hypothesis that the mere presence of one’s own smartphone may occupy limited-capacity cognitive resources, thereby leaving fewer resources available for other tasks and undercutting cognitive performance. Results from two experiments indicate that even when people are successful at maintaining sustained attention—as when avoiding the temptation to check their phones—the mere presence of these devices reduces available cognitive capacity. Moreover, these cognitive costs are highest for those highest in smartphone dependence. We conclude by discussing the practical implications of this smartphone-induced brain drain for consumer decision-making and consumer welfare.
Advertising · Business · Cognition · Cognitive Load · Cognitive psychology · Cognitive resource theory · Economics · Entertainment · Internet privacy · Political science · Temptation · Welfare · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Computer Science · Decision-Making and Behavioral Economics · Marketing · Media Influence and Health · Neuroscience · Psychology · Social Psychology
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| Unique citing works | 152 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 19 |
| Citation span | 2018 - 2026 (9) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | Yes |
| Citation types | Neutral: 125 |