Smartphones reshape attention and daily life

A podcast discusses how smartphones affect attention and social behavior and why some people are moving toward dumbphones.

Smartphones reshape attention and daily life

Ninety one percent of Americans own a smartphone, and more than half say they spend too much time on their devices. In a recent episode of It's Been a Minute, host Brittany Luse talks with Magdalene Taylor and Fio Geiran about what phones do to our brains and our lives. They describe a study showing that even when phones are silent, their proximity can pull attention away from a task, and people perform worse on tasks when the phone sits nearby.

The conversation also explores the appeal of dumbphones and nostalgia for older models like the BlackBerry. Polls cited in the program show many adults feel they use their phones too much, especially younger adults. The guests stress that changing this habit is not just about willpower; it is about creating spaces for real connection—nature, friends, and solo time—that interrupt the phone habit.

The episode frames phone use as a social habit shaped by design and culture. It highlights the tension between personal responsibility and the larger systems that encourage constant connectivity. By offering practical steps, the discussion shifts the focus from blame to balance and shows that change can start with small, intentional choices.

If the trend toward simpler devices grows, it could push tech makers to rethink engagement tactics and how they market to users. The piece also raises questions about feasibility and fairness, since work and school often require devices. In essence, it prompts readers to consider what kind of life they want to lead with phones as a constant presence.

Highlights

Small, deliberate changes can reshape our daily rhythms.