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Unfinished goals and unresolved information can remain mentally active. An unread or unanswered message can therefore repeatedly return to awareness, particularly when the conversation feels important. This is related to research on prospective memory and unfinished intentions. The brain tries to prevent important future actions from being forgotten.
Unfortunately, that reminder can compete with whatever someone is currently doing. Sometimes, a tiny notification badge becomes an unfinished task the brain refuses to close.
© Journal of Experimental Psychology