TSPS MAR APR 2024 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 15
SAFETY
phone presence increases, available cognitive capacity decreases. The mere presence of one’s smartphone likely reduces available cognitive capacity and impairs cognitive functioning.
In the second experiment similar conditions were tested again
with the added variables of some smartphones being placed face
up, and some being powered off completely. Results of experiment 2 were consistent with results of experiment 1, that the mere
presence of one’s own smartphone may adversely affect cognitive
functioning even when participants were not consciously attending them. There was also evidence that the cognitive effects were
moderated by individual differences in participants’ dependence
on their smartphones; the more a participant depended on their
smartphone, the more they seemed to be negatively affected by
the phone’s presence. In other words, participants may bene昀椀t
more from the absence of their smartphone.
Throughout human history, most innovations occupied a de昀椀ned space in our lives, limited by what they do and where they
are located. Smartphones are an exception to this. They have
become consumers’ constant companions and play an integral
role in the lives of people worldwide. They in昀氀uence our welfare, for better and for worse.
How do we solve this problem of distraction by smartphone?
How can we reduce dependence on smartphones and increase
our cognitive ability that is already limited? One of the best ways
is with training, education, and better management. Businesses
must begin training about the costs of distractions, especially by
smartphones. Social media distractions can be redirected into
company collaboration tools that engage employees. Human
resources departments can investigate the larger problem of
extreme smartphone distraction that may mean that employees are completely disengaged from work. The reasons must be
addressed. “By rede昀椀ning the relevance of devices, consumers
may both reduce digital distraction and increase available cognitive capacity.”
When our cognitive capacity is already limited as typical humans distracted by life in general, and then is further affected negatively by distractions from our increasing use or even
dependence on technology (smartphones), safety often takes a
back seat, or it may even be overlooked. Whether we’re simply
driving to and from work, chauffeuring our families about, at
work “performing” our jobs, or when we are in a work situation
where our personal safety, and the safety of others is so highly important, we must make certain that everything is done to
limit or stop all things that reduce our focus on best practices
for safety. This is more than a negative effect on productivity or
a cost to an employer. For those who work out in or near the
driving public, or those who perform job tasks that require additional or even extreme safety protocols, distractions could be
a matter of life or death.
Endnotes
Sullivan, Andrew (2016), “I Used to Be a Human Being,” New York Magazine, September.
Brain Drain: The Mere Presence of One’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity; Adrian F. Ward, Dristen
Duke, Ayelet Gneezy, and Maarten W. Bos, Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, Volume 2, Number 2, April
2017; The University of Chicago Press Journals
Brain Drain: The Mere Presence of One’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity; Adrian F. Ward, Dristen
Duke, Ayelet Gneezy, and Maarten W. Bos, Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, Volume 2, Number 2, April
2017; The University of Chicago Press Journals
THE
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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TEXAS SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS
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March 2024 THE TEXAS SURVEYOR
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