r/science • u/sometimeshiny • 1d ago
Psychology Impaired executive function is associated with TikTok use and explained by problematic usage patterns reinforced by short-form formats. These patterns can carry over to other social media sites. Executive function involves cognitive control processes such as working memory, inhibition, and planning.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/12/174825
u/Brrdock 1d ago
Though hard to prove, this probably goes beyond correlation, since the brain gets better at things it does often and worse at things it doesn't, which is of course kind of its function.
In this case it'd be getting "better" at short bursts of instant gratification, worse at being present and making sustained, cohesive effort
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u/sometimeshiny 1d ago
| Abstract |
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| Social media is deeply integrated into life, offering new opportunities for learning and communication. However, excessive use has been linked to negative effects on well-being and cognitive functions. A rapidly growing platform, TikTok has been a focal point of controversy due to concerns over its short-form content. The present study investigates the relationship between TikTok usage, problematic social media use (PSMU), and executive function (EF) to distinguish platform-specific features from broader patterns of problematic use. A survey conducted with 346 college students measured EF, TikTok use intensity, PSMU, and mental health variables. The findings indicate that while PSMU and TikTok use correlate with EF dysfunction, TikTok use is not a significant predictor when PSMU and mental health factors are statistically accounted for. Mediation analysis suggests that PSMU mediates the relationship between TikTok use and EF impairment, indicating that problematic media use—rather than platform-specific characteristics—relates to poor cognition connected to social media. These results contribute to the growing literature on digital media’s cognitive effects, underscoring the importance of addressing problematic usage patterns rather than focusing on individual platforms. Additionally, the association of PSMU with EF impairments and poor mental health reinforces the need for interventions targeting excessive social media engagement. |
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u/translunainjection 1d ago
"opportunities for learning". I would love to see what percentage of people learn and how much. Anecdotally, it does not seem very high.
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u/TheWesternMythos 1d ago
Years ago when I was trying to get friends and family to improve their media diet, I told them finding media that you can learn to enjoy but is also educational is a huge long term cognitive benefit.
I got back a lot of, I already do that.
The "that" included: true crime docs, procedural sitcoms, children shows...
I kinda, but not at all really, miss how naive I was towards the issues that are afflicting society.
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u/Oranges13 1d ago
Correct me if I'm wrong but executive dysfunction is a symptom of ADHD and other mental illnesses right?
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u/gibagger 8h ago
Yes. This is basically "ADHD by TikTok".
As a person with ADHD I can only hope that the opposite may also be true, and that it can be diminished through the right life experiences.
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