From Psychologies · Andréa Lepage · · 1m 30s
Why ditching your watch makes you lose time
Checking the time on your phone instead of wearing a watch is linked to compulsive internet use, a new study finds.
In brief
Checking the time on your phone instead of wearing a watch is linked to compulsive internet use, a new study finds. Your phone is a gateway to distraction when you check the time on it, while a traditional watch gives you the time and nothing else. Originally reported by Psychologies.
The phone time trap
You unlock your phone to check the time and suddenly you're scrolling notifications, emails, and social media. Minutes pass without you noticing.
Study links watches to internet habits
Researchers surveyed 6,615 people aged 16 to 67 about how they check the time and their internet use. Only 16 percent wore a traditional watch.
No watch, more scrolling
Nearly one in three people said they often stay on their phone after just wanting to check the time. Those without watches scored highest on compulsive internet use scales.
The gateway effect
A smartphone shows the time alongside messages, emails, and alerts. A traditional watch just shows the time. Even always-on watch screens display notifications that tempt you to unlock.
Study has important limits
The survey captured one moment in time and doesn't prove cause and effect. The sample was young and came from an app designed to reduce internet use, which may have attracted heavier users.
The simple solution
A watch answers the time question in one second with no detours to your inbox. Separating the time from everything else might be the real luxury of wearing one.
“Regarder l'heure sans perdre son temps : voilà peut-être le vrai luxe d'une montre.”
What to remember
Your phone is a gateway to distraction when you check the time on it, while a traditional watch gives you the time and nothing else.
