'Turn off your phone': Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt on the key to deep thinking

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, a pivotal figure in shaping today's digital landscape, has highlighted the smartphone as a major impediment to deep thinking. During a recent discussion on the Moonshots podcast, Schmidt remarked, "You can’t think deeply as a researcher with this thing buzzing," referring to the constant interruptions caused by smartphones. He noted that many young researchers opt to turn off their devices to foster better concentration. Reflecting on his career, which saw the launch of Android and its myriad notifications, Schmidt expressed concern over the unintended consequences of a world driven by attention monetization. He stated, "We’ve essentially tried to monetize all of your waking hours… some form of ads, some form of entertainment, some form of subscription." This model, he contends, contradicts the fundamental way humans engage in thoughtful analysis. Supporting Schmidt's viewpoint, psychologist Gloria Mark has researched attention spans, revealing a startling decline in focus. Two decades ago, the average duration of screen engagement was 2.5 minutes, but this has plummeted to just 47 seconds today. This shift has resulted in fragmented thinking, diminished memory retention, and heightened stress levels. Schmidt also critiqued the digital wellness movement, sharing his skepticism about apps designed to promote relaxation. He quipped, "The correct thing to do to relax is to turn off your phone… and then relax in a traditional way for, you know, 70,000 human years of existence." However, this perspective has sparked debate, with mental health app developers arguing that not all screen time is detrimental. A representative from Calm emphasized, "Not all screen time is created equal," while Headspace’s chief clinical officer, Jenna Glover, pointed out that simply advising young people to disconnect isn’t practical or beneficial. Despite the differing views, Schmidt believes technology can facilitate focus if approached differently. He shared an experience of using Google’s Gemini AI during a flight, allowing him six uninterrupted hours of thought. "There were no ads, no social media. I just thought," he recounted. Cognitive specialists echo this sentiment, urging the need for boundaries in our digital lives. Brain coach Jim Kwik explained that every notification serves as a distraction, impacting retention and attention. A recent study from the US National Institutes of Health reinforced these concerns, indicating that digital distractions correlate with lower satisfaction and perceived learning, particularly among younger users. For Schmidt, the answer lies not in rejecting technology entirely but in regaining control over its use. Sometimes, the most profound action one can take may simply be to switch off their phone.