The internet’s allure is undeniable. Using only a cell phone, we can connect with almost anyone on the planet and access the entirety of human knowledge in an instant. Yet, in our relentless quest for information and connectivity, we’ve sacrificed something vital—our deep connection to the real world and its genuine pleasures.
The research looked at how distraction affects “hedonic consumption,” a term the researchers use to define excessive indulgence in pleasurable activities such as eating or playing video games. Study 1 After the meal, the women reported on several factors: how much they enjoyed their meal, their level of satisfaction, whether they wanted additional gratification, and, if so, how much they consumed. They also recorded any subsequent snacking later that day.
Those who ate while distracted enjoyed their meals less and were less satisfied. They also snacked more and felt a greater need for further gratification afterward. The researchers call this effect “hedonic compensation” and believe it also applies to activities other than eating.
Study 2 This study involved more than 6,000 “consumption episodes” from various activities, including food, drink, media/audio, and leisure reading. The study used a group of 220 participants, primarily females between 18 and 71. Each was asked to fill out seven short surveys daily about their “hedonic consumption,” distraction, and level of satisfaction.
The results aligned with the first experiment, wh.
