Being Away From iPhone Can Lead to Anxiety, Poor Cognitive Performance

Being away from iPhone can cause psychological harm, according to a new research. Researchers say iPhone separation can have "serious psychological and physiological effects."

Research by University of Missouri noted that the subject of the study showed lack in performance on cognitive tests when away from their Apple devices, like iPhone. The study concludes that it might not be the separation from the iPhone, but inability to answer calls is the real culprit.

"Our findings suggest that iPhone separation can negatively impact performance on mental tasks," says Russell Clayton, a doctoral candidate at the MU School of Journalism and lead author of the study. "Additionally, the results from our study suggest that iPhones are capable of becoming an extension of our selves such that when separated, we experience a lessening of 'self' and a negative physiological state."

Researchers noted that iPhone users were unable to solve simple word search puzzles when unable to answer the ringing iPhones. It further lead to increased heart rates and blood pressure levels.

According to the study, separation from phone causes 'lessening of the self' - making you unable to focus.

The study related to "iPhone-separation" can be read here.