Smartphone use impairs cognitive function in healthy adults.

the verdict

CONTESTED PARTIAL

Recorded sources

4 sources for · 2 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that smartphone use impairs cognitive function in healthy adults?

Partly. Evidence is mixed and only partial: some studies associate heavy or excessive smartphone use with poorer cognitive control and performance, while a small intervention study and a review of older adults report smartphone use may aid or improve cognition. None of the items establishes a general causal impairment of cognitive function in healthy adults.

Verdict: CONTESTED PARTIAL · 4 sources for, 2 against · Last checked 3 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

Evidence for · 4

Excessive Smartphone Use Is Associated With Health Problems in Adolescents and Young Adults

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Excessive Smartphone Use Is Associated With Health Problems in Adolescents and Young Adults. (n.d.). cir.nii.ac.jp. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.669042

Evidence against · 2

Smartphone app for lifestyle improvement improves brain health and boosts the vitality and cognitive function of healthy middle‐aged adults

2024

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Kokubun, K., Nemoto, K., & Yamakawa, Y. (2024). Smartphone app for lifestyle improvement improves brain health and boosts the vitality and cognitive function of healthy middle‐aged adults. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.3500

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More for · 3

Smartphones and Cognition: A Review of Research Exploring the Links between Mobile Technology Habits and Cognitive Functioning -

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Smartphones and Cognition: A Review of Research Exploring the Links between Mobile Technology Habits and Cognitive Functioning - PMC Lock. (n.d.). pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00605

Effects of internet and smartphone addiction on cognitive control in adolescents and young adults: A systematic review of fMRI studies.

2024

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Méndez, M. L., Padrón, I., Fumero, A., & Marrero, R. J. (2024). Effects of internet and smartphone addiction on cognitive control in adolescents and young adults: A systematic review of fMRI studies.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105572

Parallel processing of cognitive and physical demands in left and right prefrontal cortices during smartphone use while walking

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Parallel processing of cognitive and physical demands in left and right prefrontal cortices during smartphone use while walking. (n.d.). cir.nii.ac.jp. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12868-016-0244-0

More against · 1

A Systematic Review of Smartphone and Tablet Use by Older Adults With and Without Cognitive Impairment

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A Systematic Review of Smartphone and Tablet Use by Older Adults With and Without Cognitive Impairment. (n.d.). cir.nii.ac.jp. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igac002

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