Quantifying The Impact Of Multimodal Digital Experiences On Cognitive Symptoms And Mental Health In Early Adults

  • Muddsar Hamed
  • Aliyah Usman Qureshi
  • Muhammad Ibrahim
  • Kh Safi ur Rehman
  • Sabeen Sabir
  • Muhammad Hazyefa
  • Muhammad Ahmed
  • Sherbano
Keywords: Digital media, Cognitive symptoms, Mental health, Early adults, Anxiety, Depression, Media multitasking

Abstract

Introduction: The proliferation of digital technologies has led to significant changes in the lives of early adults, who are particularly prone to high levels of digital media consumption. This study aims to quantify the effects of multimodal digital experiences on cognitive functioning and mental health outcomes in early adults aged 18-29.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 early adults in Pakistan, using an online questionnaire to collect data on demographic information, anxiety, depression, ADHD symptoms, and digital media exposure. Validated scales such as the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) were utilized. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analyses.

Results: Significant associations were found between digital media use and symptoms of anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Heavy media multitaskers exhibited greater cognitive overload and higher levels of anxiety and depression. Conversely, certain types of digital media, like video gaming, showed improvements in specific cognitive skills. Sleep duration was identified as a significant factor influencing mental health outcomes, with inadequate sleep linked to higher anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and hyperactivity levels.

Conclusion: Multimodal digital experiences have a complex impact on cognitive and mental health outcomes in early adults. While some digital media can enhance cognitive skills, excessive use can lead to cognitive overload and adverse mental health effects. Balanced and mindful digital media consumption is crucial for maintaining cognitive and mental well-being in early adults.

Author Biographies

Muddsar Hamed

Department of Clinical Psychology, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad

Aliyah Usman Qureshi

Rawalpindi Medical University Pakistan

Muhammad Ibrahim

Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad Pakistan

Kh Safi ur Rehman

Jinnah Memorial Trust Hospital

Sabeen Sabir

Bharia University Islamabad

Muhammad Hazyefa

Aziz Fatima Medical and Dental College Faisalabad

Muhammad Ahmed

Shifa College of Medicine Islamabad

Sherbano

Shifa Tameer e Millat University Islamabad, Pakistan

References

Andreassen, C. S., Pallesen, S., & Griffiths, M. D. (2016). The relationship between addictive use of social media, narcissism, and self-esteem: Findings from a large national survey. Addictive Behaviors, 64, 287-293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.03.006

Baumgartner, S. E., Weeda, W. D., van der Heijden, L. L., & Huizinga, M. (2014). The relationship between media multitasking and executive function in early adolescents. Journal of Early Adolescence, 34(8), 1120-1144. https://doi.org/10.1177/0272431614523133

Granic, I., Lobel, A., & Engels, R. C. M. E. (2014). The benefits of playing video games. American Psychologist, 69(1), 66-78. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0034857

Huang, C. (2017). Time spent on social network sites and psychological well-being: A meta-analysis. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 20(6), 346-354. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2016.0758

Naslund, J. A., Aschbrenner, K. A., Marsch, L. A., & Bartels, S. J. (2016). The future of mental health care: Peer-to-peer support and social media. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 25(2), 113-122. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2045796015001067

Ophir, E., Nass, C., & Wagner, A. D. (2009). Cognitive control in media multitaskers. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(37), 15583-15587. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0903620106

Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. O., Lin, L. Y., Rosen, D., ... & Miller, E. (2017). Social media use and perceived social isolation among young adults in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2017.01.010

Uncapher, M. R., Thieu, M. K., & Wagner, A. D. (2016). Media multitasking and memory: Differences in working memory and long-term memory. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 23(2), 483-490. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-015-0907-3

Granic, I., Lobel, A., & Engels, R. C. M. E. (2014). The benefits of playing video games. American Psychologist, 69(1), 66-78. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0034857

Katz, E., Blumler, J. G., & Gurevitch, M. (1973). Uses and gratifications research. Public Opinion Quarterly, 37(4), 509-523. https://doi.org/10.1086/268109

Kaye, B. K., & Johnson, T. J. (2002). Online and in the know: Uses and gratifications of the web for political information. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 46(1), 54-71. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15506878jobem4601_4

Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. W. (2001). The PHQ-9: Validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606-613. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x

Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Social networking sites and addiction: Ten lessons learned. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(3), 311. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14030311

Naslund, J. A., Aschbrenner, K. A., Marsch, L. A., & Bartels, S. J. (2016). The future of mental health care: Peer-to-peer support and social media. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 25(2), 113-122. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2045796015001067

Ophir, E., Nass, C., & Wagner, A. D. (2009). Cognitive control in media multitaskers. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(37), 15583-15587. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0903620106

Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. O., Lin, L. Y., Rosen, D., ... & Miller, E. (2017). Social media use and perceived social isolation among young adults in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2017.01.010

Rideout, V., & Robb, M. B. (2018). Social media, social life: Teens reveal their experiences. Common Sense Media. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/social-media-social-life-2018

Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., Williams, J. B. W., & Löwe, B. (2006). A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: The GAD-7. Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(10), 1092-1097. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.166.10.1092

Sweller, J., Ayres, P., & Kalyuga, S. (2011). Cognitive load theory. Springer Science & Business Media

Andreassen, C. S., Pallesen, S., & Griffiths, M. D. (2016). The relationship between addictive use of social media, narcissism, and self-esteem: Findings from a large national survey. Addictive Behaviors, 64, 287-293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.03.006

Baumgartner, S. E., Weeda, W. D., van der Heijden, L. L., & Huizinga, M. (2014). The relationship between media multitasking and executive function in early adolescents. Journal of Early Adolescence, 34(8), 1120-1144. https://doi.org/10.1177/0272431614523133

Bediou, B., Adams, D. M., Mayer, R. E., Tipton, E., Green, C. S., & Bavelier, D. (2018). Meta-analysis of action video game impact on perceptual, attentional, and cognitive skills. Psychological Bulletin, 144(1), 77-110. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000130

Cain, M. S., & Mitroff, S. R. (2011). Distractor filtering in media multitaskers. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(46), 15583-15587. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1103993108

Domahidi, E., Festl, R., & Quandt, T. (2014). To dwell among gamers: Investigating the relationship between social online game use and gaming-related friendships. Computers in Human Behavior, 35, 107-115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.02.023

Granic, I., Lobel, A., & Engels, R. C. M. E. (2014). The benefits of playing video games. American Psychologist, 69(1), 66-78. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0034857

Huang, C. (2017). Time spent on social network sites and psychological well-being: A meta-analysis. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 20(6), 346-354. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2016.0758

Naslund, J. A., Aschbrenner, K. A., Marsch, L. A., & Bartels, S. J. (2016). The future of mental health care: Peer-to-peer support and social media. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 25(2), 113-122. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2045796015001067

Ophir, E., Nass, C., & Wagner, A. D. (2009). Cognitive control in media multitaskers. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(37), 15583-15587. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0903620106

Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. O., Lin, L. Y., Rosen, D., ... & Miller, E. (2017). Social media use and perceived social isolation among young adults in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2017.01.010

Uncapher, M. R., Thieu, M. K., & Wagner, A. D. (2016). Media multitasking and memory: Differences in working memory and long-term memory. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 23(2), 483-490. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-015-0907-3

Published
2024-08-10
How to Cite
Muddsar Hamed, Aliyah Usman Qureshi, Muhammad Ibrahim, Kh Safi ur Rehman, Sabeen Sabir, Muhammad Hazyefa, Muhammad Ahmed, & Sherbano. (2024). Quantifying The Impact Of Multimodal Digital Experiences On Cognitive Symptoms And Mental Health In Early Adults. Revista Electronica De Veterinaria, 25(1), 741-754. https://doi.org/10.69980/redvet.v25i1.690
Section
Articles