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Research consistently demonstrates the active use of cell phones, whether talking or texting, to be distracting and contributes to diminished performance when multitasking (e.g., distracted driving or walking). Recent research also has indicated that simply the presence of a cell phone and what it might represent (i.e., social connections, broader social network, etc.) can be similarly distracting and have negative consequences in a social interaction. Results of two studies reported here provide further evidence that the “mere presence” of a cell phone may be sufficiently distracting to produce diminished attention and deficits in task-performance, especially for tasks with greater attentional and cognitive demands. The implications for such an unintended negative consequence may be quite wide-ranging (e.g., productivity in school and the work place).

Mobile cell phones are ubiquitous and “smartphones” in particular are becoming increasingly prevalent. Recent surveys indicate that at least 85% of people in the United States have cell phones, and that over 50% of these users now have smartphones (Duggan & Rainie, 2012; Nielsen, 2013; Smith, 2012; Time Mobility Poll, 2012). Overall, users note that mobile technology has changed their lives with most indicating it has helped them maintain or enhance their relationships with friends and family. Aside from calling, it is texting that has become the predominate use of the cell phone, followed by email and social networking. Indeed, in the 10 years since 2002, text messaging in the United States alone has gone from 31 million per day to 6 billion (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, 2012).

The “constant connectivity” afforded by mobile technology has contributed to a preoccupation with the cell phone...