The Presence of One’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity (2017) (journals.uchicago.edu)

Article summary

The article discusses how the presence of one's own smartphone can reduce available cognitive capacity. Although the article itself is not available, the discussion suggests that having a smartphone nearby can be distracting and affect one's ability to focus. The study behind the article reportedly involved 520 smartphone users, but some commenters question the sample size and potential biases. The article's findings may have implications for how people use their smartphones and manage distractions.

Main themes

• smartphone distraction
• cognitive capacity
• relationship obligations
• free will and agency
• technology and productivity
• monogamy and consent

What commenters say

• Some people believe that having a smartphone nearby can be distracting and reduce cognitive capacity, similar to how other attention-grabbing media like TV can affect focus.
• Others argue that the impact of smartphones on cognitive capacity is not unique and that other distractions, such as video games or social media, can have similar effects.
• There is disagreement about the moral obligations of partners in a monogamous relationship, with some arguing that there is an implicit obligation to satisfy each other's needs, while others believe that consent and personal boundaries should always be respected.
• The concept of free will and personal agency is seen as relevant to discussions of obligation and responsibility in relationships.
• Some commenters suggest that the idea of moral obligations in relationships is outdated or arbitrary, while others see it as a necessary aspect of building trust and commitment.
• The use of smartphones and other electronic devices can have a significant impact on productivity and the ability to engage in activities like reading.
• There is a perceived trade-off between the convenience and connectivity offered by smartphones and the potential distractions and negative effects on cognitive capacity they can cause.