Do We Think Differently When Tapping the Screen or Clicking the Mouse? Effects of Computer Interfaces on Level of Construal

People interact with digital devices to perform a variety of activities. Notably, these interactions are characterized by a shift from a mouse-based, nontouch interface to a touchscreen-based, touch interface. The findings of 10 studies (N = 1,712) demonstrate that different sensorimotor experiences associated with touch versus nontouch interfaces induce alternative mental states differing in construal levels. Neural evidence obtained from an electroencephalogram study shows that using the touch (versus nontouch) interface enhances the engagement of the sensorimotor system and induces brain activity patterns associated with concretizing. We also reveal the behavioral and decision-making manifestations of cognitive concretization when people interact with the touchscreen. Specifically, individuals use concrete descriptions to identify actions, apply narrower structures to differentiate concepts, focus more on local versus global features, and prefer more feasible options in decision making when using the touch interface than the nontouch interface. Given that the concrete/abstract mindset is fundamental to human cognition and behavior, the domain-general effect of the touch interface documented in this research provides a theoretical basis for future research to explore the impacts of the penetration of touch-based digital devices on innumerable aspects of our lives.

History: Sean Xin Xu, Senior Editor; Paul Benjamin Lowry, Associate Editor.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72472140, 72394371, 72002193, and 72071180], the Zhejiang Provincial Philosophy and Social Sciences Planning Project [Grant 23SYS05ZD], the University of Auckland FRDF [Grant 37200420], and the Ministry of Education Singapore [Grant FRC R253-000-107-112].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2023.0191.