The Relationship Between TikTok Usage and Executive Function Is Mediated by Problematic Social Media Use.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• Digital Media Studies

Background:

• Social media integration offers communication benefits but poses risks to well-being and cognition.
• Concerns exist regarding TikTok's short-form content and its impact on users.
• Understanding platform-specific effects versus general problematic use is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between TikTok usage, problematic social media use (PSMU), and executive function (EF).
• To determine if TikTok use has unique effects on EF or if effects are explained by broader PSMU patterns.
• To explore the mediating role of PSMU in the link between TikTok use and EF impairment.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 346 college students.
• Measures included executive function (EF), TikTok use intensity, problematic social media use (PSMU), and mental health variables.
• Mediation analysis was employed to examine the relationships between variables.

Main Results:

• Both PSMU and TikTok use intensity correlated with executive function (EF) dysfunction.
• TikTok use intensity was not a significant predictor of EF dysfunction when PSMU and mental health were controlled.
• Problematic social media use (PSMU) was found to mediate the relationship between TikTok use and EF impairment.

Conclusions:

• Problematic social media use (PSMU), rather than specific platform features like TikTok, is associated with cognitive impairments.
• Interventions should focus on addressing excessive social media engagement and PSMU patterns.
• Findings highlight the need to manage problematic usage for better cognitive and mental health outcomes.