Research finds smartphone stimuli trigger heart rate changes and diminish the ability to sense internal bodily signals
A recent study published in Communications Psychology has uncovered concerning links between smartphones and our internal bodily awareness. Our phones affect us more deeply than we realize, with measurable physiological effects even when we’re not actively using them.
The Hidden Physical Response to Smartphones
When shown smartphone images in the background of other tasks, many participants experienced increased heart rates – even without actively engaging with their phones.
“Some people’s bodies react to smartphone cues without conscious awareness,” notes lead researcher Dr. Yuta Haruki. Their hearts beat faster at the mere sight of phone-related imagery.
Different Types of Smartphone Users
The study identified two attention patterns:
- Selective distractibility: These participants only got distracted by smartphone images during simple tasks. When mentally engaged, they could filter out the distractions.
- Constant distractibility: These participants couldn’t ignore smartphone stimuli regardless of their current task. Phone-related images grabbed their attention even during complex activities requiring focus.
This explains why some people seem more controlled by their phones than others.
Disconnected From Our Bodies
People with constant smartphone attentional bias demonstrated reduced “interoceptive awareness” – they were worse at detecting and interpreting signals from their own bodies.
“Attention constantly pulled toward technology diminishes your ability to tune into internal bodily signals,” explains neuropsychologist Dr. Kazuki Miyahara. This affects awareness of everything from hunger and fatigue to emotional states.
Mental Health Implications
Poor interoceptive awareness has established links to anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation problems. The smartphone study reveals a potential mechanism: excessive phone focus disrupts our ability to sense and respond to our own bodily signals.
What Can We Do?
The research points to several practical approaches:
- Create phone-free zones: Designate areas or times without smartphones
- Practice body awareness: Try mindfulness meditation, yoga, or body scan exercises
- Monitor usage patterns: Notice if you’re constantly distracted or only during certain activities
- Take regular breaks: Schedule time away from screens
Dr. Haruki stresses that eliminating smartphone use isn’t necessary. “Our devices offer tremendous benefits. The goal is developing a healthier relationship with technology.”
This research opens a new frontier in understanding how technology affects attention and physical well-being. As our digital lives evolve, balancing our relationship with devices and bodily awareness becomes increasingly important.
Recommended Reading
- Nauman J. Interoception & GI Disorders: The Importance of Mind-Body Therapies for Comprehensive Treatment.
- Lichtenstein BS. The Orienting Response: A Powerful Way to Cultivate Health.
- LoBisco S. Focusing on Body Health vs. Symptom Control: Creating True Wellness for an Ill Symptom Suppression.
- Smith N. New Intelligent Stethoscope. Naturopathic Doctor News and Review.
- Smith N. Smart Device. Naturopathic Doctor News and Review.
- Schleich DJ. Naturopathic Medicine as Application. Naturopathic Doctor News and Review.
Reference:
Haruki Y, Miyahara K, Ogawa K, et al. Attentional bias towards smartphone stimuli is associated with decreased interoceptive awareness and increased physiological reactivity. Communications Psychology. 2025;3(42). doi:10.1038/s44271-025-00225-6
