The effects of digital media on attention span and cognitive processing among the youth in Hyderabad.

Abstract: The extensive use of digital media has been a subject of concern regarding its influence on cognitive processes, especially among the youth. The present study examines the influence of screen time and multitasking activity on attention span, working memory, reaction time, and task-switching capacity among the youth in Hyderabad. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were employed to compare the data of 213 participants. The findings demonstrate that high screen time and high multitasking are harmful to cognition, resulting in slower reaction time, poorer attention accuracy, and higher task-switching costs. Greater working memory capacity, however, is linked to improved attention and processing speed, counteracting some adverse effects. The moderate R² values (0.38–0.45) suggest that digital media use contributes significantly to differences in cognition. These results highlight the need for balanced digital use and structured media consumption to prevent cognitive deficits. The findings have important implications for education professionals, policy makers, and mental health practitioners to design interventions to foster healthier digital use among adolescents.