How this page evolved

Every published version is kept. Each entry shows what changed and why. Earlier versions can be restored by moderators, but only if the material they rely on is still available.

1. Revision 4Oct 4, 2026, 3:30 PMLiveAI-organised, reviewed

   Broadened beyond the single 2015 experiment: added a 240-participant virtual-classroom experiment showing pop-up notifications impaired attention and retention, a medical-education study showing distraction blocked instructional benefits, and null results from two other experiments. Added guidance on digital experience and on distraction-rich learning, plus new open questions.

   • · The main finding was rewritten.
   • · Updated “What the direct evidence shows”.
   • · Added section “Why ignoring may still cost attention”.
   • · Updated “What this does not establish”.
   • · Updated “How to explore this in your situation”.
   • · 7 new sources cited.
   • · The note on uncertainty changed.
   • · The key takeaways were revised.
   • · 5 new pieces of guidance for specific situations.
   • · 3 new open questions.
2. Revision 3Sep 30, 2026, 10:19 PM

   Editorial review: added foundational research, distinguished direct evidence from related findings, and clarified practical limits.

   • · The main finding was rewritten.
   • · The finding is now labelled “evidence” (was “interpretation”).
   • · Added section “What the direct evidence shows”.
   • · Added section “What this does not establish”.
   • · Added section “How to explore this in your situation”.
   • · Removed section “What the experiments show”.
   • · Removed section “The broader picture on smartphone use and attention”.
   • · 1 new source cited.
   • · The note on uncertainty changed.
   • · The key takeaways were revised.
   • · 1 new piece of guidance for specific situations.
   • · 1 new open question.
3. Revision 2Sep 30, 2026, 10:12 PMAI-organised, reviewed

   AI-prepared Starting Map from live research.

   • · First published version.