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The Economic Times
The Economic Times
Aastha Raj

Psychology says people who always wear a watch aren’t worried about being late, they are trying to create structure in an unpredictable world

In a world where smartphones constantly display the time, one habit has surprisingly survived. Millions of adults still wear watches every day. They wear them to work, during exercise, while traveling and even at home. At first glance, it may seem unnecessary. After all, phones are everywhere. But psychology suggests that people who always wear a watch are often doing something much bigger than checking the time. For many individuals, the watch represents structure, preparedness and control. The accessory itself is small, but the psychological meaning behind it can be significant.

Several psychological theories help explain why some people refuse to leave home without one.

A Watch Creates A Sense Of Control

One explanation comes from Control Theory. Humans naturally seek ways to organize unpredictable environments. Time is one of the few things people can measure, monitor and manage every day.

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