Digital Distractions Are Driving Us Bonkers. Here’s How to Change That

March 13, 2025

Our devices have been vying for our attention for years. The methods they use to grab it are only growing.

“These technologies have been gradually designed with one goal in mind,” said IEEE Senior Member Gang Wang. “Most products are based on behavioral psychology and are continuously iterated in real-world usage environments, similar to the design philosophy of computer games.”

It’s not a new phenomenon. But survey data and a mounting body of research indicate that frustration has persisted, with increasing attention paid to the impacts digital media consumption has on young people.

In classrooms globally, students face daily distractions, prompting 40% of national school systems worldwide to enact laws banning smartphone use in schools.
In the United Kingdom, 38% of consumers express concern about excessive screen time and seek a “digital detox,” while 47% of adults aged 18-34 view their online activities as more disruptive than beneficial to their well-being, according to a 2025 survey by Ernst & Young
In China, authorities have restricted minors’ hours for online gaming, and economists suggest extending these restrictions to college students could boost their starting wages upon graduation by approximately 1 percent.

“This distraction with technology can cause long-term effects, such as social isolation directly impacting teamwork and, in the most serious cases, depressive behavior, difficulty writing due to spending hours on electronic devices and joints and vision problems due to excessive screen time,” IEEE Senior Member Cristian Pimentel said.

How to Spot Distracting Technology

There are a number of ways to identify when a device may be overly distracting.

“Key red flags include applications that offer little or no control over notification settings, interfaces designed to promote endless engagement without clear exit points, and platforms that require constant interaction to maintain status or progress,” said IEEE Member Ning Hu. “The lack of transparency in data collection and usage practices often indicates that a product is designed to leverage user behavior patterns to maximize engagement rather than serve genuine needs.”

Along with assessing a device or application’s design, users should consider their personal usage. To help spot and manage how distracting one’s personal technology is, Galdino says that consumers “can start by monitoring their device usage time.”

In recent years, most devices have come built-in with capabilities to curb overuse. Notification settings can be adjusted to limit how frequently notifications appear. Many devices provide statistical reports that can tell users just how long they spend on applications. Many social media applications now have ways to set time limits.

“Technology becomes too distracting when it constantly pulls one’s attention away from real-life tasks, relationships, and moments, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and disconnected,” said IEEE Senior Member Inderpreet Kaur. “Another sign is spending hours on apps or websites without gaining much value, like productivity or personal connection. If someone is not able to focus on their work and continuously scrolling the devices to check notifications, it will surely become a concerning issue.”

The Role Technologists Play in Limiting Distracting Technology

While users can make changes to their devices and monitor their distractions, technologists have a role to play in developing these devices to minimize their users’ distractions.

Some organizations have proposed standards and certifications for technologies that distract less.

Others focus on creating features that promote digital well-being, such as reminders to take breaks or tools that summarize notifications periodically rather than disruptively.

“From a design perspective,” Wang said, “it is essential to understand that technology exists to improve human life, not to chase profits. By aligning design goals with this principle, the problem can be resolved at its root.”