A strange animal experiment

AMore than 50 years ago, psychologists studied strange behavior in animals such as pigeons, rats and raccoons. Their research may help explain why people today find it difficult to stop checking their phones. Scientists discovered that animals can become very interested in a signal for a reward, sometimes even more interested than in the reward itself.

The pigeon experiment

BIn the 1970s, scientists put hungry pigeons in a long box. A flashing light appeared at one end of the box, and food appeared at the other end. The pigeons learned that the light meant food was coming. At first, they mainly stayed close to the food because they were hungry.

The birds started following the signal

CAfter some time, the pigeons became very interested in the flashing light. They started going to the light and pecking it again and again. Some pigeons spent so much time pecking the light that they did not go to get the food. In one experiment, a pigeon pecked the light thousands of times in one hour. Scientists called this behavior sign tracking. The pigeons were chasing the signal instead of the real reward.

Humans and smartphones

DSome psychologists believe people behave in a similar way with smartphones. We swipe, scroll and tap again and again. Phones contain many signals that make us want to check them. These include colorful app icons, red notification dots, sounds, vibrations and messages. These signals can suggest that something interesting or socially important may be waiting for us.

Our need to belong

EHumans are social animals. We have a strong need to communicate with other people and feel that we belong to a group. Social media, messaging apps and games can provide signals connected with this need. However, seeing a notification is not the same as having a real conversation or spending time with another person.

What dopamine does

FA brain chemical called dopamine helps explain why these signals are so powerful. People once believed dopamine mainly caused pleasure. Scientists now think one of its important jobs is to create wanting and motivation. For example, dopamine may make you want a piece of cake when you see it. However, it does not necessarily make you enjoy the cake more. In the same way, seeing your phone can make you want to check it, even when checking it does not make you happy.

Social media is only a signal

GSocial media may give children signs of social connection, but it cannot fully replace real relationships. A child may spend hours online looking for likes, messages or attention. However, this can reduce the time they spend talking, playing and building relationships with people in real life.

Create phone-free places

HOne scientist recommends creating times and places where phones are not available. In his own family, his teenage children can use their phones in shared areas such as the kitchen, but not alone in their bedrooms. This gives children more opportunities to do activities that meet their real needs.

Wanting is not the same as enjoying

IA strong desire to use a phone does not always mean that using it gives a person great pleasure. In fact, spending too much time on phones may reduce real enjoyment and social connection. The writer argues that limiting phones does not mean taking pleasure away from children. Instead, parents can help children find activities and relationships that provide deeper and longer-lasting satisfaction.