Psychologists say this shows a ‘dosage effect,’ where more screen time leads to weaker focus and learning ability
Preteens who spend increasing time on social media perform worse in reading, vocabulary, and memory tests than those who use little or none, according to a JAMA study.
Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, analyzed data from over 6,000 children aged 9–10 as part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study.
They found that even moderate users, spending about an hour a day by age 13, scored 1 to 2 points lower in reading and memory tests, while heavy users scored up to 5 points lower.
Psychologists say the ABCD Study’s data shows a “dosage effect,” where more screen time leads to weaker focus and learning ability.
Experts warn that adolescence is a critical period for brain development, and prolonged exposure to social media may rewire the brain toward online rewards rather than learning.
Countries like Denmark and Australia are already enforcing age restrictions on social media to protect young users.