Scientists link rise in attention problems among teens to social media use

Active use of social media is associated with a gradual increase in attention problems among teenagers, while video gaming and video watching show no similar effect, according to a long-term study involving more than 8,000 adolescents.

The findings were published on Medical Xpress, Report news agency said.

The study followed participants aged 10 to 14 and regularly assessed their digital habits, dividing screen activities into three categories: video games, video viewing and social media use.

Researchers analysed changes in inattention and hyperactivity, the two core symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The results showed that social media use was linked to a gradual rise in inattention, while other forms of screen time had no statistically significant negative impact.

The authors also tested whether existing attention problems could drive increased social media use, but found no evidence for this reverse relationship. The link remained robust even after accounting for genetic predisposition and family income.

The researchers suggest that constant interruptions such as notifications and message anticipation may explain the effect. While the individual impact is modest, even small shifts in attention at population level could significantly increase ADHD diagnoses.