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First published online February 17, 2014

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The Relationship Between Media Multitasking and Executive Function in Early Adolescents

Susanne E. Baumgartner, Wouter D. Weeda, […], Lisa L. van der Heijden, and Mariëtte Huizinga+1View all authors and affiliations

Volume 34, Issue 8

https://doi.org/10.1177/0272431614523133

Abstract
References
Biographies

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of media multitasking among adolescents is concerning because it may be negatively related to goal-directed behavior. This study investigated the relationship between media multitasking and executive function in 523 early adolescents (aged 11-15; 48% girls). The three central components of executive functions (i.e., working memory, shifting, and inhibition) were measured using self-reports and standardized performance-based tasks (Digit Span, Eriksen Flankers task, Dots–Triangles task). Findings show that adolescents who media multitask more frequently reported having more problems in the three domains of executive function in their everyday lives. Media multitasking was not related to the performance on the Digit Span and Dots–Triangles task. Adolescents who media multitasked more frequently tended to be better in ignoring irrelevant distractions in the Eriksen Flankers task. Overall, results suggest that media multitasking is negatively related to executive function in everyday life.

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Biographies

Susanne E. Baumgartner is an assistant professor at the Amsterdam School of Communication Research, University of Amsterdam. Her main research interest focusses on the role of media in the development of adolescents.

Wouter D. Weeda is a post-doctoral researcher at the Department of Clinical Neuropsychology and the Department of Educational Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam. He specializes in the analysis of inter- and intra-individual differences in human (cognitive) behavior. He uses advanced methods to capture the dynamics of cognitive processes within individuals and link these processes to daily-life functioning.

Lisa L. van der Heijden is a researcher at the Department of Educational Neuroscience, VU University. Next to her work at the university, she works as psychologist at a clinic for child and youth psychiatry.

Mariëtte Huizinga is a developmental psychologist, with a focus on experimental (neuro-)psychology. She is an associate professor at the Department of Educational Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam. The main focus of her research is the development of executive functions, between childhood and young-adulthood.

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