We’ll just file this bit of news under the “Stuff That Surprises Nobody” category. According to researchers from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, there’s a definitive link between smartphone use and laziness. Humans naturally try to limit how much problem-solving they have to which is why many people turn to smartphones to answer questions or solve problems, even in instances where they already know the answer or can solve the problem.
No doubt about it, smartphones are amazingly handy tools to have around. However, a research study conducted by the University of Waterloo – yes the same Waterloo that is home to the headquarters of the iconic smartphone maker, BlackBerry – indicates that these computers are focal points of laziness with otherwise intuitive thinkers. “They may look up information that they actuallyt know or could easily learn, but are unwilling to make the effort to actually think about it,” according to a co-author of the study, Gordon Pennycook. Basically, this study vindicates previous research that says humans are eager to avoid exerting too much effort when it comes to problem-solving. Intuitive thinkers, those that rely on “gut feelings” in their decision making tend to lean on their smartphone’s search engine more often than those who think analytically or strategically.
