Smartphones Identified as Major Distraction for Generation Z Learners

A study reveals two-thirds of young people struggle to focus on studying due to smartphone use, with tailored strategies recommended to improve concentration.

A survey by IU Internationale Hochschule found that 67% of individuals aged 16-25 cite smartphones as their biggest distraction while studying.
In contrast, only one-third of all respondents and fewer older adults reported being distracted by their phones, with those over 40 more affected by fatigue.
Experts highlight that apps like TikTok and Snapchat exacerbate fragmented attention patterns in Generation Z, who grew up immersed in digital environments.
The study shows that half of respondents believe they can focus for 1-2 hours, while 17.2% manage only 30 minutes, and 14.2% can sustain focus for 3-4 hours.
Recommendations to reduce distractions include turning off smartphones, placing them out of reach, and adopting structured study intervals like 20-minute focus sessions.