Phone Zombie
If you’ve ever walked down the street, or even taken a quick peek in your local library or coffee shop, you may have noticed someone who seems to be completely unaware of what is happening around them. These are so-called phone zombies – pedestrians who look down at their phones, text or check their social media accounts, or just plain ignore what is going on around them.
In a world where smartphones are a commonplace item in our everyday lives, it’s no surprise that they can affect the brain in a number of ways. A recent study found that smartphone use can interfere with sleep, cause headaches and depression, and reduce concentration and memory.
When you’re on your phone zombies during the day, it’s like your brain is half-asleep, says Dr. Johann Hari, author of the book Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How to Think Deeply Again.
How Does Phone Zombie Use Affect the Brain?
This is called “cognitive capture,” and it’s a major problem for modern life. Essentially, our brains are being programmed to crave the stimulation of our phones. We’re also ignoring what’s happening outside of our phones – and this is a problem.
Researchers have found that when you’re in the middle of reading or writing, your mind is able to focus for up to 23 minutes before being pulled away by an alert from your phone. This is a normal human state, but when you constantly interrupt this concentration by checking your phone or listening to an alert from it, it can be difficult for your brain to return to the level of concentrated focus it needs to write an essay or do your math homework.
That’s why psychologists say you should limit the amount of time you spend on your phone if you want to be able to focus on other things. And it’s why experts have pushed for a classification of phone addiction as a mental disorder, just as alcoholism or gambling are listed.
It’s a big issue, and it’s something that should be addressed. But how?
Some people find it hard to break the habit of checking their phones during a study session or while writing an essay. They have a strong urge to do so, because they believe it will help them get their work done faster.
But this isn’t necessarily true. Studies show that it takes about 23 minutes for your brain to return to the level of concentration you need to read or write, and checking your phone every few minutes pulls your brain out of this concentration, so it’s impossible for you to reach the highest levels of productivity possible when you’re on your phone.
If you’re trying to learn a new skill, it’s important to take breaks from the computer or phone and focus on other tasks. This will prevent your brain from getting tired and focusing on the wrong thing.
You should also avoid using your phone right before bedtime, because it can make it more difficult for you to fall asleep. Your body stops producing the chemicals that are necessary for you to feel sleepy when your phone is on, so you don’t get enough rest.
