Understanding the effect of social media and gaming on sustained attention span and time management skills.

Abstract

This research paper examines the potential risks of changes in the human cognition and behaviour in the context of using digital media. The study is interested in social media and gaming and how they could potentially affect sustained attention span and time management skills. With the widespread adoption of these digital technologies and the prevalent impact they have on people’s lives, it is important that their potential effects on cognitive skills are examined. The present study tested the possible negative effects of social media on sustained attention span and time management skills, as it predicted that gaming would present a more positive effect on sustained attention span and time management skills. This study used a quantitative approach where a sample of 191 participants were recruited to fill in an online survey, measuring their social media exposure, gaming usage, self-reported sustained attention span and self-reported time management skills. The results showed no significant effects of these digital technologies on attention span and time management skills. However, it is still important to acknowledge that the Multiple Resource Theory is a general framework that might not account for individual differences.