Cell Phone Addiction: What Pigeons Teach Us

Decades of research suggest that obsession with cell phones and apps is similar to the behavior of pigeons seeking light for food, according to the New York Times.

In the 1970s, hungry pigeons in a box learned to associate a flashing light with the appearance of food. The pigeons began pecking at the light thousands of times, neglecting the food, a behavior called 'sign tracking'.

As psychology professor Peter Balsam explains, people today are 'just like pigeons,' as smartphones and social media can distract us from our real needs.

Neurologists have found that dopamine in the brain is attracted to device signals, such as app icons and notifications, triggering the desire for social interaction.

Professor Read Montague suggests creating spaces and times where devices are unavailable in order to encourage activities that meet real needs.

Read also: UK: Considers outright ban on social media for children under 16

Source: skai.gr