Mike Carruthers

If you like something you should know, you're probably a curious person who enjoys learning about the world.

And if you're looking for more places to learn, you should know about a podcast from TED called How to Be a Better Human.

The host, Chris Duffy, was recently a guest here talking about why he loves laughter and how you can find more of it in your everyday life.

On How to Be a Better Human, Chris interviews scientists, experts, and TED speakers about fascinating practical topics from...

How your dog experiences the world, to how to stop doom-scrolling, to how to find a deeper sense of belonging.

You can find How to Be a Better Human wherever you listen to podcasts.

Today on Something You Should Know, how your cell phone can cause a big problem just by sitting there.

Then, the science behind why you just click with some people but not others.

Also, when you have extra money, what do you tend to spend it on?

And what it means to pursue something with true excellence?

You know what I've started doing?

I've started hiding my phone, and I'll tell you why.

Hi, I'm Mike Carruthers.

Welcome to Something You Should Know.

So when I have an important conversation, like dinner out or a meeting with someone, I hide my phone, like fully gone, not face down on the table, not silenced.

but gone in my pocket.

Here's why.

Even if you never touch your phone, just having it on the table changes how people see you.

Research shows that people come across as less sincere, less engaged, and less trustworthy when a phone is visible.

And the weird part is nobody can really explain why.