Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media, Attention, and Distractibility: A Trait-and State-Level Analysis

Abstract

A global rise in concerns surrounding decreasing attention spans and increased distractibility has led to academic, public, and policy-related discourse about whether social media is to be blamed for these perceived deficits. To date, there is little longitudinal research which investigates the relationship between social media use, attention, and distractibility. The aim of my research is to understand this relationship through two studies which recruited first year psychology students at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. The first cross-sectional survey (n=481) found no significant relationship between social media use and attention, or distractibility. Interestingly, after accounting for trait-level distractibility, we identified a negative relationship between social media use and in-the-moment distractibility. The second study used Ecological Momentary Assessment (n=71) in which participants responded to two brief surveys a day, for fourteen days. This survey asked about social media use within the past 30 minutes, as well as how distracted and attentive participants felt during that time. Initial Multilevel Modelling identified state-level relationships, as momentary social media use predicted increased internal and external distractibility; and decreased attention. However, Following the inclusion of trait-level variables, social media use was no longer a significant predictor of distractibility; however, trait-level internal distractibility and attention was. These findings highlight the need for further research which applies both longitudinal and qualitative methodologies. Practical implications include decreasing social media use when needing to remain goal-oriented; increasing wellbeing and awareness around social media impacts; and social media companies designing more ethical platforms.