The increasing use of social media among preteens is linked to poorer cognitive performance, including reading and memory scores. A recent study published in JAMA reveals significant findings about the impact of social media on cognitive abilities in early adolescence.
Study Overview and Methodology
Researchers analyzed data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, one of the largest ongoing investigations into adolescent brain development. This study follows thousands of children as they navigate their developmental years.
- Participants: Over 6,000 children aged 9 to 10.
- Data collection: Social media usage was monitored annually alongside cognitive tests conducted every two years.
Categorization of Social Media Users
The children were classified into three distinct groups based on their social media engagement as they approached age 13:
- Low/No Users: About 58% used minimal or no social media.
- Low Users: Approximately 37% started with low usage but increased to about one hour daily.
- High Users: The remaining 6% engaged with social media for three hours or more daily.
Cognitive Performance Results
All groups underwent a series of cognitive tests evaluating reading and vocabulary skills. Notable findings include:
- Low users performed 1 to 2 points lower on reading and memory tasks than non-users.
- High users scored 4 to 5 points lower compared to non-social media users.
These results underscore a “dosage effect,” where even low-level social media use can negatively impact cognitive function.
Implications for Adolescent Development
The research emphasizes the importance of understanding how social media influences learning during crucial developmental phases. As stated by study author Jason Nagata, recent trends show an increase in social media usage as children age.
Past research highlighted serious concerns, revealing that almost two-thirds of children engage in social media before age 13. Many exhibit signs of addiction, losing track of time spent on devices and reporting adverse effects on academic performance.
Calls for Policy Changes
The findings have prompted suggestions for creating specific age-related policies for social media usage. Some countries are already considering or implementing age restrictions. For instance:
- Denmark plans to enforce a ban on social media for users under 15.
- Australia aims to prevent those under 16 from creating social media accounts by December 2025.
Experts believe these measures could significantly benefit children’s cognitive development. The study serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of social media on young minds.
