The Negative Impacts of Phones on Learning
By: Jack Dong
Jori Bolton | Education Week
In today’s digital age, smartphones have become an essential part of daily life, offering instant access to information, communication, and entertainment. While these devices offer numerous benefits, their presence in learning environments has raised concerns and problems in the classroom. The constant notifications, social media temptations, and distractions make it difficult for students to concentrate on learning.
The Distraction Factor
One of the primary ways smartphones interfere with learning is through distractions. A single notification, whether from social media, a message, or an app, can break a student’s concentration. Studies have shown that even brief interruptions can significantly reduce comprehension and retention of information. When students attempt to multitask between studying and phone use, their cognitive load increases, leading to decreased efficiency and understanding of the material. In fact, the average student spends around 20% of their classroom time engaged with their phone, whether it be through texting, scrolling on social media, or playing games (Gordon).
Moreover, frequent phone usage has been linked to shorter attention spans. The constant scrolling through social media, quick video clips, and instant gratification from notifications train the brain to crave continuous stimulation. In a study analyzing media and technology usage, it found that students who frequently checked their phones had significantly shorter attention spans and struggled with sustained focus on tasks (Rosen et al.). As a result, students may find it difficult to focus on complex tasks that require sustained attention, such as reading textbooks, solving math problems, or writing essays. This diminished attention span hinders deep learning and critical thinking skills, which are essential for academic success.
Lower Academic Performance
Report card grade relative to location of phone | Angela Duckworth - The Inquirer
Numerous studies indicate a correlation between phone use during study time and lower academic performance. Students who frequently use their phones in class or while doing homework tend to score lower on tests and assignments compared to those who limit their usage. In a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, it was found that “students with laptops and cell phones open for non-classroom purposes scored half a letter grade lower on exams” (Glass and Kang). Although the correlation isn’t extreme in the short term, the effect becomes much more profound in the long term. As students’ attention spans shorten and their phones become a constant distraction, it reduces their time available for studying, ultimately leading to poorer grades and understanding of the subject.
Impaired Memory Retention
Smartphones also impact memory retention. Learning requires repetition, focus, and mental engagement, all of which can be disrupted by excessive phone use. When students divide their attention between their studies and their phones, the brain struggles to process and store information effectively. This leads to difficulties in recalling information during exams and applying knowledge in real-life situations.
Not only do students who frequently shift their attention between learning and distractions exhibit lower productivity and information retention, but they also experience significant time lost due to the brain’s need to reorient itself to the new activity. Often, memory retention is impaired due to this act of multitasking or task switching, as the brain system involved in interrupting or stopping movement also interrupts cognition. In a study by neuroscientist Adam Aron and postdoctoral scholar Jan Wessel, they found that the constant task switching due to distractions results in the brain clearing out the previous task at hand (what the teacher was teaching), to focus on the present task (checking one’s phone). As a result of this, the student does not retain the information being taught, potentially creating more serious problems in the future.
Conclusion
Smartphones have undoubtedly transformed education, offering new ways to access knowledge and connect with others. However, their misuse and overuse can create significant barriers to effective learning. Distractions from constant notifications, social media, and multitasking reduce students' ability to focus, retain information, and develop critical thinking skills. By implementing strategies that minimize these distractions, educators can create a learning environment that maximizes engagement and academic achievement.
References
Glass, Arnold L., and Mengxue Kang. “Dividing attention in the classroom reduces exam performance.” Educational Psychology, vol. 39, no. 3, 26 July 2018, pp. 395–408, https://doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2018.1489046.
Rosen, L D, et al. “The Media and Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale: An Empirical Investigation.” Computers in Human Behavior, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Nov. 2013, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4338964/#S11.
Sherri Gordon, CLC. “Why Technology Might Be Causing Grades to Fall in School.” Parents, Parents, 20 June 2024, www.parents.com/how-smartphones-create-distractions-in-the-classroom-8658838#citation-4.
Wessel, Jan R., et al. “Surprise Disrupts Cognition via a Fronto-Basal Ganglia Suppressive Mechanism.” Nature News, Nature Publishing Group, 18 Apr. 2016, www.nature.com/articles/ncomms11195.
