Media-multitasking and cognitive control across the lifespan.
Natasha Matthews1, J B Mattingley2,3,4, P E Dux2
1School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4066, Australia. n.matthews1@uq.edu.au.
Scientific Reports
|March 15, 2022
Summary
Technology multitasking, or using multiple devices at once, is linked to better multitasking skills in people aged 7-70. This relationship varies with age, highlighting age as a key factor in understanding technology
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Increased technology use, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, raises concerns about cognitive consequences.
- Previous research on technology multitasking and cognitive performance yielded mixed results.
- Existing studies often overlook age-related developmental changes in cognitive abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between media multitasking and cognitive flexibility (multitasking ability).
- To examine this relationship across a wide age range (7-70 years).
- To determine if age moderates the impact of technology multitasking on cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- A large community-based science project was conducted.
- Participants aged 7-70 years were included.
- Data on everyday technology multitasking and cognitive flexibility were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Higher levels of everyday technology multitasking were associated with better multitasking performance.
- This association was observed across the lifespan, particularly during developmental changes in multitasking ability.
- Age was found to be a significant moderator in the technology multitasking-cognition relationship.
Conclusions:
- Everyday technology multitasking is positively associated with multitasking performance.
- Age plays a crucial role in moderating the cognitive effects of technology multitasking.
- Findings emphasize the importance of considering developmental trajectories in technology and cognition research.
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