ScienceDaily: Does reducing screen time increase productivity? Not necessarily

“When the results were analyzed, researchers measured the perceived productivity of screen time reported by those surveyed, as well as the amount of screen time and the fatigue associated with self-monitoring. They also reviewed participants' contentment with their productivity achieved through cellphone screen time. "Self-monitoring appears necessary to encourage the optimized use of smartphones," said Abhari. "The results suggest that optimizing but not minimizing screen time is more likely to increase user productivity."

However, the researchers also found that self-monitoring induces fatigue and weakens the effect on productivity, though it was not a significant factor affecting the relationship between self-monitoring and contentment with productivity achievement.

In conclusion, Abhari and Vaghefi determined that while uncontrolled cell phone use (or cellphone addiction) could negatively impact people's lives, monitored screen time -- particularly monitored screen time with specific goals in mind -- can result in positive outcomes and higher overall user satisfaction. "This study could lead system developers to embed features into mobile devices that enable self-monitoring," said Abhari. "These features could improve quality screen time and enhance the relationship between humans and digital technology."`

Some Insights From This Article

• Does reducing screen time equal more productivity? Not necessarily. In fact this website showed that people who were aware of their time spent on a screen if it was for 1 minute to 1 hour and monitoring their usage had the most productivity.

• This means as long as you are aware of how much time you are spending on your phone/screen you may still have a productive schedule. This prevents the passive “mindless scrolling” which can allow your brain to lose track of time fast.

• The researchers do posit that monitoring your screen time actively may be tiring but there are applications out there that are available and being developed to help you track your screen time for you!

How do you control your screen time (besides necessarily purposes, ie. work, finances, etc)?

Full article is here!

#productivity #screen #phones