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From Distraction to Dedication: Commitment and Incentives Against Phone Use in the Classroom

Author

Listed:
  • Billur Aksoy
  • Lester R. Lusher
  • Scott E. Carrell

Abstract

Phone usage in the classroom has been linked to worsened academic outcomes. We present findings from a field experiment conducted at a large public university in partnership with an app marketed as a soft commitment device that provides incentives to reduce phone use in the classroom. We find that app usage led to improvements in classroom focus, attendance, and overall academic satisfaction. Analysis of time spent outside the classroom suggests a potential substitution effect: students using the app allocated less time to study, particularly on campus. Overall, though statistically insignificant, we find improvements in transcript grades associated with app usage.

Suggested Citation

  • Billur Aksoy & Lester R. Lusher & Scott E. Carrell, 2025. "From Distraction to Dedication: Commitment and Incentives Against Phone Use in the Classroom," NBER Working Papers 33703, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33703
    Note: ED PE
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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education

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