Cell phones can both negatively and positively affect our focus and attention. They provide us with instant access to information, communication, and various tools which can help us do certain things. However, they are also a source of distraction and can affect our ability to concentrate. The constant notifications people receive tend to cause distraction along with the temptation to check messages and browse on social media apps . For many this hinders their ability to concentrate on tasks at hand. Research suggests that multitasking can actually impair our focus. Constantly switching between the tasks at hand and our cell phones can lead to reduced efficiency and difficulty in concentration.

Relying Too Much

Relying on cell phones for information and reminders can impact our memory and the way we learn. When relying on a device, we can lose our ability to obtain and understand information ourselves. The use of cell phones is also said to disrupt our sleep cycle. Using a device before bed can affect sleeping patterns that create difficulty to fall into a deep sleep. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin which is the hormone that regulates sleep. This all leads to poor sleep quality then transferring into our ability to focus on the next tasks at hand. Cell phones can contribute to anxiety and increased stress due to the constant pressure to respond to notifications and messages. This can make it challenging to focus on one task at a time. 

How To Fix This 

The best way to lower cell phone usage is by setting boundaries between you and your cell phone. This could include disabling notifications, putting phones on do not disturb, or simply putting it in a place that we are less tempted to reach. By doing this, you can work to limit cell phone consumption and focus better on the tasks at hand.