A Surprising Reason Why Smartphones Are Making Us Stupid

We’ve all been there: a gentle (or not-so-gentle) reminder from a parent or teacher to "sit up straight" or "stop slouching." But what if this simple correction holds the key to our mental well-being? With the rise of technology and the "tech-neck" epidemic, researchers are uncovering startling connections between poor posture and cognitive performance. Slouching might be more than just uncomfortable—it could limit our ability to think clearly, access positive thoughts, and even affect our mood. The surprising research into posture reveals that a simple shift in how we hold our bodies can profoundly impact our brains.

Key Takeaways

• Posture Affects Thought Processes: Research shows that an upright posture enhances the ability to recall positive thoughts, while slouching makes it harder to access positive memories and can trigger negative emotions.

• Hormonal Impact: Adopting high-power body postures boosts testosterone and reduces cortisol levels, improving mood and assertiveness. On the flip side, slumped postures increase stress hormones and decrease confidence.

• Posture and Mental Performance: Studies show that sitting upright improves mental clarity and cognitive function, particularly under stress, helping individuals perform better in tasks like problem-solving or mental math.

Posture and Productivity: The Science Behind Sitting Up Straight

"Sit up straight. Don't slouch!" Perhaps you remember this rebuke from your parents or teachers.

We should have listened to them. Back in 1984, a US study found 58 per cent of teenage boys and 30 per cent of girls had spinal damage.

Just imagine what a study carried out today would reveal about the new "tech-neck" generation who spend their lives peering into computer devices in a bent-over position.

It's not only head, neck, and shoulder pain that's caused by poor posture; it also reduces respiration, lowers energy, and contributes to poor blood flow to the back of the brain.

In short, it might be making us stupid. And less happy, as I’ll explain in a moment.

One scientist's research has focused on bad posture on mood and cognition. His findings should encourage us to take a long, hard look at how we hold our bodies. . .

Easier Access to Positive Thoughts

Erik Peper is Professor of Holistic Health Studies in the Department of Health Education at San Francisco State University. He and his fellow researchers' first paper on the effects of posture.

They asked 24 healthy men and women to generate positive and negative thoughts in either an upright or slumped position. Almost all of them reported it was easier to recall positive thoughts when sitting erect.

A later study involving 28 college students found that recalling any thoughts, whether positive or negative, takes a great deal more effort in a slouched position.

In a much larger study of over 200 students, almost nine out of ten found it was easier to recall memories of despair, vulnerability, powerlessness, and defeat while in a slumped versus an upright posture.

Yikes! It sounds like bad posture is a recipe for misery.

Meanwhile, the numbers reversed, and nine out of ten found it was easier to access positive and empowering images in an erect rather than a hunched position.

Other studies have confirmed these findings.

New Zealand psychologists wrote that "Upright participants reported higher self-esteem, more arousal, better mood, and lower fear, compared to slumped participants."

The Huge Two-Minute Hormone Change

In another posture study, Harvard social psychologist Amy Cuddy and colleagues measured testosterone, which is related to dominance and assertiveness, and the stress hormone cortisol.

After just two minutes, volunteers expressing high-power body postures experienced a 20% increase in testosterone and a 25% decrease in cortisol compared to a 10% decrease in testosterone and a 15% increase in cortisol in those who folded up their bodies and made themselves look small.

His fellow author, Richard Harvey, Associate Professor of Health Education, said that maintaining a defensive posture can trigger old negative memories in the body and brain.

Professor Peper added, "Posture makes a giant difference. The slumped-over position shuts people down and their brains do not work as well. They cannot think as clearly.

"Sitting in a collapsed posture may project a submissive, defeated, or depressed individual. [Yet] people tend to adopt a slouched posture while looking down at digital screens.

"You have a choice," he continued. "It's about using an empowered position to optimize your focus."

How to Improve Posture

Anyone who has served in the military will not need reminding to keep their "chin up, chest out, shoulders back, stomach in."

When sitting, the bottom should be right at the back of the chair so the body is at a 90º angle. This will realign the pelvis in the correct position.

Many exercises can also correct a rounded posture by strengthening the muscles between the shoulder blades.

Taking classes in the Alexander Technique is another option. This helps change faulty postural habits, improve mobility, and relieve tension and stress.

Be vigilant at all times, especially when using a smartphone. Adjust posture as soon as a slouched position is noted.

I happen to have a dog in this fight, as I know a good friend who developed nasty spinal deterioration at the ripe old age of 66, after spending most of his life hunched over a book or (during the last 25 years) in front of a computer. He's now in physical therapy, working on his posture.

I have to say, the results are remarkable. And he tells me he wishes he'd listened to the old fogeys years ago when he was a kid, and learned to stand/sit up straight.

A college professor named Jordan Peterson has created a great deal of buzz with a bestseller called 12 Rules for Life. He has a following among millions of young people, mostly men.

I haven’t read it, but I’m told the first rule is “Stand up straight with your shoulders back.”

Summary

Research has shown that posture is not only important for physical health but also for mental well-being. Slumping over can make it more difficult to access positive thoughts and increase feelings of negativity, while sitting upright promotes positive thinking and cognitive performance. Additionally, body posture has significant effects on hormones, influencing mood and confidence. Simple changes to posture, such as sitting with a straight back or practicing the Alexander Technique, can have a profound impact on your mental and physical health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can changing my posture really improve my mood?

Yes, research shows that sitting or standing upright can help you access positive memories and boost your overall mood.

What is “tech-neck” and how does it affect my posture?

"Tech-neck" refers to the hunched posture caused by prolonged use of smartphones and computers, which can lead to neck and back pain, as well as mental fatigue.

How can I improve my posture while using my phone or computer?

Regularly check your posture and adjust it as soon as you notice slumping. Keep your screen at eye level to avoid bending forward.

What is the Alexander Technique and how does it help posture?

The Alexander Technique is a method that helps improve posture and mobility by teaching you to recognize and change faulty body movements and postural habits.

Can bad posture affect my cognitive abilities during stressful situations?

Yes, studies have shown that slumped posture can make it more difficult to think clearly, particularly in high-pressure situations like tests or presentations.