Smartphones are now part of our life. They allow us to keep constantly connected. However, few people are aware that these devices can also influence their decisions, attitudes and behaviors.
A study conducted at Harvard University indicates that cell phone size affects our level of assertiveness when relating to others. In practice, people who have smaller phones are less assertive than those who use smartphones or other more generously sized devices.
The smaller the device, the less likely you will be to claim your rights
75 people participated in the experiment, who were randomly divided to perform different activities with different devices. The researchers employed the full range of sizes of Apple products: iPod Touch, iPad, MacBook Pro and iMac.
Upon completion of the assignments, the researcher turned to each participant and told them, “I'll be back in five minutes to inform you. So I'll pay you and you can go. If I don't come, please come and look for me at the reception. "
The researcher waited 10 minutes to see what the participants' reaction was to his delay. So he saw that those who used smaller devices waited longer before looking for it than those who used larger screens. In fact, people who used an iPod Touch waited 4,93 minutes, while those who used an iMac waited just 3,41 minutes before going to find it and claim payment.
The size of a screen affects your body posture by making you more or less assertive
Researchers believe the explanation lies in the posture we assume when using these devices. When we use phones and tablets we tend to press hard on them, contracting the body more, closing ourselves on the device. On the contrary, when we use a computer we assume a more open and expansive posture, we are not so tense.
In fact, this isn't the first study that demonstrates the powerful effect postures have on our attitudes and decisions. A more open posture not only generates a feeling of power, but also increases our pain threshold, improves our performance in stressful situations and decreases the level of cortisol, while increasing that of testosterone.
For example, it has been found that simply sitting upright in a chair makes us feel safer and more confident, even in situations where our abilities are challenged.
Therefore, a position that involves closing in on ourselves would make us less likely to assert our rights and could even make us question our abilities, or that at some moments we feel inferior.
Obviously, using a larger screen or assuming a more open posture is not enough to be more assertive, but it is important to be aware that smartphone use may decrease our ability to be assertive and, in certain circumstances, such as before an interview. work or an important appointment, it may be convenient not to use it because we would be starting off on the wrong foot.
