Frequent short phone checks more draining than long scrolling sessions, study finds

A new study from Finland’s Aalto University suggests that repeatedly checking your phone in short bursts may leave you feeling more mentally drained than longer, uninterrupted scrolling sessions, SVT Nyheter reports.

Researchers found that the key factor in mental overload is not total screen time but how often users switch focus between their device and other tasks. Those who frequently picked up their phones for brief periods reported the highest levels of information overload.

“It was surprising that it’s not those who use their phones the most, in terms of time or screen time, but how they use them that matters most,” said Janne Lindqvist, a professor at Aalto University and co-author of the study.

Lindqvist explained that constantly shifting between tasks and self-interrupting can deplete energy. He advised users to observe their phone habits and set boundaries, such as disabling notifications or leaving the device at home when possible. Breaking the impulse to check the phone is difficult but achievable, he noted, citing his own experience relearning to read a book without interruptions.

The study analysed data from German participants, using surveys and monitoring the digital activity of around 300 individuals on their computers and phones.