Sci Rep June 2023 PMID 37291199

The mere presence of a smartphone reduces basal attentional performance.

Jeanette Skowronek, Andreas Seifert, Sven Lindberg

Mentions

116
Peak: 2 in Jan 2024
across 5 sources since Jan 2024

Extended reach

29,001
potential audience

Total likes

1,616

Video views

24,435

Mentions per month

Jan 2024 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News100 articles
  • Blogs6 articles
  • X / Twitter5 posts
  • YouTube4 videos
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

These discussions largely support the findings, with posts stating that the presence of smartphones impairs attention and cognitive function. Phrases like 'reduce basal attentional performance' and comments about difficulty controlling the distraction demonstrate a general agreement and mild concern for the implications in everyday scenarios.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions align with the study's conclusion that smartphones impact attention, with many explicitly supporting the idea that their presence hampers cognitive performance.

InterestModerate interest

The topic is somewhat intriguing, especially to those interested in cognitive performance and distraction, though not overwhelmingly engaging.

EngagementModerate engagement

Some participants reference the difficulty of monitoring or controlling smartphone distractions, indicating a moderate level of engagement and thoughtfulness.

ImpactModerate impact

While the topic has some relevance, it’s seen as one of many studies on distraction rather than a groundbreaking revelation, leading to a modest impact rating.

Abstract in brief

  • The presence of a smartphone, even if not actively used, can negatively impact a person's ability to focus, reducing their overall attention and cognitive performance.
  • The study tested this idea by having participants perform concentration and attention tests both with and without their smartphones nearby, finding that performance was worse when the phone was present.
  • These findings suggest that smartphones can use up some of our mental resources just by being around, which may have implications for how we manage smartphone use in daily life and work.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
William Lagakos
@caloriesproper2 · X

The right answer is far away There are studies; eg, The mere presence of a smartphone reduces basal attentional performance https://t.co/W5aCmf2JAG https://t.co/SqLM7xE5VN

Jul 15, 2025 · 3 likes · 2,996 followers View post →
Stu
@stu_jd · X

@susikaam @Jimgirvan @tombennett71 That can be quite difficult to monitor and control. Also even switched off phones serve as a distraction Nature https://t.co/ggsEvMCxCS › ... › articles The mere presence of a smartphone reduces basal attentional performance

Feb 19, 2024 · 2 likes · 230 followers View post →
B E A T H A V E N
@0_1_1_0_ · X

The mere presence of a smartphone reduces basal attentional performance https://t.co/psgetHpOHJ

Jan 1, 2024 · 1 like · 1 share · 233 followers View post →
Daragh Nener-Lally
@nenerlally · X

RT @0_1_1_0_: The mere presence of a smartphone reduces basal attentional performance https://t.co/psgetHpOHJ

Jan 1, 2024 · 1 share · 965 followers View post →
中武 壮以知
@soichinakatake · X

スマートフォンの存在自体が注意力を低下させる(たとえ電源を切っていても)。 The mere presence of a smartphone reduces basal attentional performance | Scientific Reports https://t.co/nZpZZmIojb

Apr 14, 2025 · 139 followers View post →
Hacker News Top 100 Bot (Unofficial)
@hn100.bsky.social · Bluesky

The mere presence of a smartphone reduces basal attentional performance Discussion

Jul 14, 2024 View post →

All mentions

William Lagakos
@caloriesproper2 · X

The right answer is far away There are studies; eg, The mere presence of a smartphone reduces basal attentional performance https://t.co/W5aCmf2JAG https://t.co/SqLM7xE5VN

Jul 15, 2025 · 3 likes · 2,996 followers View post →
中武 壮以知
@soichinakatake · X

スマートフォンの存在自体が注意力を低下させる(たとえ電源を切っていても)。 The mere presence of a smartphone reduces basal attentional performance | Scientific Reports https://t.co/nZpZZmIojb

Apr 14, 2025 · 139 followers View post →
Hacker News Top 100 Bot (Unofficial)
@hn100.bsky.social · Bluesky

The mere presence of a smartphone reduces basal attentional performance Discussion

Jul 14, 2024 View post →
Stu
@stu_jd · X

@susikaam @Jimgirvan @tombennett71 That can be quite difficult to monitor and control. Also even switched off phones serve as a distraction Nature https://t.co/ggsEvMCxCS › ... › articles The mere presence of a smartphone reduces basal attentional performance

Feb 19, 2024 · 2 likes · 230 followers View post →
Daragh Nener-Lally
@nenerlally · X

RT @0_1_1_0_: The mere presence of a smartphone reduces basal attentional performance https://t.co/psgetHpOHJ

Jan 1, 2024 · 1 share · 965 followers View post →
B E A T H A V E N
@0_1_1_0_ · X

The mere presence of a smartphone reduces basal attentional performance https://t.co/psgetHpOHJ

Jan 1, 2024 · 1 like · 1 share · 233 followers View post →