The Relationship Between Media Multitasking Behavior and Executive Function in Adolescence: A Replication Study

Abstract

The proliferation of digital gadgets and increased media consumption among adolescents has raised interest and concern regarding possible effects on cognitive functioning. Research investigating this relationship has yielded mixed results. This study aims to replicate the research conducted by Baumgartner et al. concerning the relationship between adolescent media multitasking and executive functioning on a sample of 296 Romanian early adolescents. The same methodology as the original study was followed and its findings were partially replicated. Mainly, results of regression analyses indicated that more media multitasking with media activities was related to more self-reported executive difficulties, but not with performance on three computerized executive functioning tasks. Media multitasking with non-media activities was unrelated to executive functioning. When comparing extreme groups, however, heavier media multitasking was associated with faster performance on the task-shifting and inhibition computerized tasks. Implications for cognitive development and research methodology are discussed.