Social media multitasking (SMM) and well-being: Existing evidence and future directions

Despite the prevalence of social media multitasking (SMM), its effects on well-being have received little attention. Of the nine studies that directly examined this topic, six found a negative relationship between SMM and well-being variables, and three found mixed or no effects. We compare the findings with those from five meta-analyses of general media multitasking (GMM) and 15 recent studies on GMM and well-being. We propose three pathways for the impact of SMM on well-being, with a potential mediating role of cognitive functions and performance. Based on the review, we suggest four directions for future research by emphasizing: (1) characteristics of SMM, (2) multiple goals of SMM, (3) different types and aspects of well-being (e.g., enjoyment, purpose), and (4) person-specific effects.