Longitudinal and Bidirectional Relations Between Problematic Social Media Use and Cognitive Failures

With social media becoming increasingly pervasive in our daily lives, there have been heightened concerns that the distractions caused by compulsive and problematic social media use may lead to cognitive failures. While some preliminary work have explored the link between problematic social media use and cognitive functioning, most are cross-sectional, leaving it uncertain whether cognitive failures are a precursor or consequence of problematic social media use. To address this gap, the current study examines the bidirectional relationship between problematic social media use and cognitive failures. A sample of 252 young adults completed the Problematic Social Media Use Scale and the Cognitive Failures in Everyday Life Scale each Saturday for a 13-week period. Random-intercept cross-lagged panel model analysis revealed a robust temporal bidirectional relationship between problematic social media use and cognitive failures, with significant and positive cross-lagged effects from both problematic social media use to next week's cognitive failures, and cognitive failures to next week's problematic social media use. These results underscore the reinforcing nature of problematic social media use and cognitive failures, suggesting that each may contribute to and exacerbate the other over time. The implications of this study highlight the need for interventions that not only address the behavioural aspects of social media use but also the cognitive patterns that sustain this cycle, promoting healthier digital habits and cognitive well-being.