The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Put Down Your Phone -- A Wednesday End Bits Special
24 snips
Jan 14, 2026 In this edition, explore why daydreaming trumps doom scrolling for mental wellness. Discover shocking insights from a Stanford study predicting health risks using AI. Learn about the rising appeal of second passports and the complexities involved in securing dual citizenship. Plus, hear about the puzzling trend of banished words, like the infamous '6-7.' Finally, get the scoop on airline safety measures ensuring pilots stay sober. It’s a mix of intriguing stories and practical advice!
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Heathrow Waiting Room Scene
- Peter Mansbridge describes long Heathrow connections and people waiting with phones in hand instead of daydreaming.
- He contrasts current scenes with past waits when people read newspapers, talked, or daydreamed.
Daydreaming Beats Cognitive Junk Food
- Daydreaming can improve well-being, problem-solving, and relationships compared with idle phone scrolling.
- Researchers call phone scrolling "cognitive junk food" that feels good but offers little long-term value.
We Misjudge Solitude Enjoyment
- People consistently underestimate how much they'll enjoy undistracted thinking.
- A 2022 Journal of Experimental Psychology study found participants enjoyed 20 minutes of just thinking more than they predicted.