← All stories
Psychology

Psychologist Discovers Visible Smartphone Alone Reduces Cognitive Performance Even When Not Used

Lewis Howes School of Greatness · The Science of Doing Less to Achieve More | David Epstein · May 25, 2026
Psychologist Discovers Visible Smartphone Alone Reduces Cognitive Performance Even When Not Used
Lewis Howes School of Greatness
Lewis Howes School of Greatness
The Science of Doing Less to Achieve More | David Epstein
"There are now studies showing that if you have a phone visible, you'll do worse on cognitive tests if it's visible, even if you can't use it. And the more phone-dependent you are, the greater that deficit is."
New research cited by Epstein shows that merely having a smartphone visible during cognitive tasks reduces performance, even when the phone cannot be used. The effect is stronger for people who are more phone-dependent. This builds on psychologist Gloria Mark's finding that people become accustomed to a certain level of distraction and will self-interrupt with intrusive thoughts at the same cadence even when trying to focus.
From this episode
Lewis Howes School of Greatness
Lewis Howes School of Greatness

The Science of Doing Less to Achieve More | David Epstein

August 3, 2026 · 5 Egleze moments
Read episode summary and key points →

More moments from this episode

MoneyVenture Capitalist Strategy Targets Startups in Debt to Force Lean OperationsMoneyMIT Census Study Reveals Average Fast Growing Startup Founder Is 45 Years OldMoneyGeneral Magic Had First Concept IPO Ever but Failed Despite Building iPhone Generation EarlyPsychologyPsychologist Finds People Are More Bored Since Infinite Scrolling Was Introduced
More stories More from Lewis Howes School of Greatness