The Relationship Between Media Multitasking and Executive Function in Early Adolescents

Baumgartner, Susanne E.; Weeda, Wouter D.; Heijden, Lisa L. van der; Huizinga, Mariëtte

doi:10.1177/0272431614523133

Cited by 171 publications

(220 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…The relationship seen here between media multitasking and working memory stands in contrast to the results of Baumgartner et al (2014), who found no relationship between MMI and working memory. This difference may reflect the extent to which different working memory measures indexed the executive aspects of working memory.…”

Section: Executive Functionscontrasting

confidence: 99%

“…Greater media multitasking was associated with self-reports of worse executive function in a large sample of adolescents (Baumgartner, Weeda, van der Heijden, & Huizinga, 2014). Contrary to the self-reports, when assessed experimentally, Baumgartner et al found evidence for an association between heavier media multitasking and better inhibitory control (i.e., more easily ignoring distractors in an Eriksen flanker task), but no relationships with task switching or working memory performance.…”

Section: Abstract Media Multitasking Adolescents Standardized Tesmentioning

confidence: 91%

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Media multitasking in adolescence

et al. 2016

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Media use has been on the rise in adolescents overall, and in particular, the amount of media multitasking-multiple media consumed simultaneously, such as having a text message conversation while watching TV-has been increasing. In adults, heavy media multitasking has been linked with poorer performance on a number of laboratory measures of cognition, but no relationship has yet been established between media-multitasking behavior and real-world outcomes. Examining individual differences across a group of adolescents, we found that more frequent media multitasking in daily life was associated with poorer performance on statewide standardized achievement tests of math and English in the classroom, poorer performance on behavioral measures of executive function (working memory capacity) in the laboratory, and traits of greater impulsivity and lesser growth mindset. Greater media multitasking had a relatively circumscribed set of associations, and was not related to behavioral measures of cognitive processing speed, implicit learning, or manual dexterity, or to traits of grit and conscientiousness. Thus, individual differences in adolescent media multitasking were related to specific differences in executive function and in performance on real-world academic achievement measures: More media multitasking was associated with poorer executive function ability, worse academic achievement, and a reduced growth mindset.

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Section: Executive Functionscontrasting

confidence: 99%

Section: Abstract Media Multitasking Adolescents Standardized Tesmentioning

confidence: 91%

Media multitasking in adolescence

et al. 2016

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“…The literature is scarce and presents inconsistent results. For example, some findings point to the detrimental effects of frequent multitasking on the performance in laboratory tests of executive function (8), and a negative relationship between multitasking and self-reported cognitive functioning (24). Conversely, other studies failed to support the findings that heavy media multitasking is related to poor cognitive performance (25), or even provided evidence for a positive relationship between media multitasking and the ability to integrate information from multiple sensory systems (26).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Touchscreen generation: children's current media use, parental supervision methods and attitudes towards contemporary media

2017

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Aim: To explore media preferences and use among young children, as well as to obtain information about parental supervision methods and beliefs about media.Method: Ninety parents of three-to six-year-olds, recruited from a relatively economically advantaged area in the United Kingdom, completed a media opinion survey.Results: Although traditional television remains the favourite type of media platform among young children, touchscreen devices are gaining in popularity, and may promote simultaneous multi-screen use. Moreover, parents believe that the effects of media on developmental outcomes are generally positive. However, they do monitor the content of traditional and new media their children are exposed to. Conclusion:This study shows an emerging evidence of concurrent multi-screen use among very young children. More detailed examination of early media multitasking, and its relationship to cognitive and behavioural outcomes, is necessary. INTRODUCTIONThere is no doubt that the rapid development of digital technology has changed how we communicate, work and spend our free time. Although many would agree that easy access to multifunction digital devices, such as smartphones or tablets, and high-speed Internet has improved our lives, brought about more freedom, and saved the time needed to complete many daily tasks, very little is known about the impact that modern technology has on adult cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Even less is known about how digital environment will influence developmental outcomes.In 'Western' culture, today's older children and adolescents are undoubtedly digital natives -children, for whom digital technology is fundamental to daily routine (1). Their environment is saturated with electronic devices (2) and children appear to fully embrace opportunities provided by new technology to reduce boredom and to allow efficient use of their leisure time (3). However, there is a paucity of research that addresses the extent of new media use among younger children (younger than six) and the effects of the digital environment on how they play, learn and interact with others. Traditionally, research has focused on the effects of television on the developmental outcomes, with a particular interest in how television viewing relates to learning, attention and behaviour. Many researchers and clinicians have expressed concern about the potentially deleterious effects of heavy television exposure or viewing inappropriate content (4-6). However, over 40 years of research has failed to provide consistent conclusions about the long-lasting impact of viewing on children's behaviour and cognition.

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“…Baumgartner, Weeda, van der Heijden, & Huizinga, 2014;Minear, Brasher, McCurdy, Lewis, & Younggren, 2013;Ralph, Thomson, Seli, Carriere, & Smilek, 2014;Wang & Tchernev, 2012). Understandably, a significant area of focus in recent research is the safety implications of using a cellphone while driving (e.g.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Mobile technology habits: patterns of association among device usage, intertemporal preference, impulse control, and reward sensitivity

2016

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Mobile electronic devices are playing an increasingly pervasive role in our daily activities. Yet, there has been very little empirical research investigating how mobile technology habits might relate to individual differences in cognition and affect. The research presented in this paper provides evidence that heavier investment in mobile devices is correlated with a relatively weaker tendency to delay gratification (as measured by a delay discounting task) and a greater inclination toward impulsive behavior (i.e., weaker impulse control, assessed behaviorally and through self-report) but is not related to individual differences in sensitivity to reward. Analyses further demonstrated that individual variation in impulse control mediates the relationship between mobile technology usage and delay of gratification. Although based on correlational results, these findings lend some backing to concerns that increased use of portable electronic devices could have negative impacts on impulse control and the ability to appropriately valuate delayed rewards.

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The Relationship Between Media Multitasking and Executive Function in Early Adolescents

Cited by 171 publications

References 39 publications

Media multitasking in adolescence

Media multitasking in adolescence

Touchscreen generation: children's current media use, parental supervision methods and attitudes towards contemporary media

Mobile technology habits: patterns of association among device usage, intertemporal preference, impulse control, and reward sensitivity

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