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Cited by 36Impact of Technology on AdolescentsDigital Media and PhilosophyPersonal Information Management and User Behavior

Does a 7-day restriction on the use of social media improve cognitive functioning and emotional well-being? Results from a randomized controlled trial

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van Wezel, Marloes M.C., Abrahamse, Elger L., Vanden Abeele, Mariek M.P.·2021·Addictive Behaviors Reports
DOI 10.1016/j.abrep.2021.100365PMC PMC8664777
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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Screen time apps that allow smartphone users to manage their screen time are assumed to combat negative effects of smartphone use. This study explores whether a social media restriction, implemented via screen time apps, has a positive effect on emotional well-being and sustained attention performance. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial (N = 76) was performed, exploring whether a week-long 50% reduction in time spent on mobile Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube is beneficial to attentional performance and well-being as compared to a 10% reduction. RESULTS: Unexpectedly, several participants in the control group pro-actively reduced their screen time significantly beyond the intended 10%, dismantling our intended screen time manipulation. Hence, we analyzed both the effect of the original manipulation (i.e. treatment-as-intended), and the effect of participants' relative reduction in screen time irrespective of their condition (i.e. treatment-as-is). Neither analyses revealed an effect on the outcome measures. We also found no support for a moderating role of self-control, impulsivity or Fear of Missing Out. Interestingly, across all participants behavioral performance on sustained attention tasks remained stable over time, while perceived attentional performance improved. Participants also self-reported a decrease in negative emotions, but no increase in positive emotions. CONCLUSION: We discuss the implications of our findings in light of recent debates about the impact of screen time and formulate suggestions for future research based on important limitations of the current study, revolving among others around appropriate control groups as well as the combined use of both subjective and objective (i.e., behavioral) measures.

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Authors
van Wezel, M. M. C., Abrahamse, E. L., & Vanden Abeele, M. M. P.
Affiliations
Tilburg University (NL)
ORCID
Abrahamse, Elger L.
Venue
Addictive Behaviors Reports
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2021-12
Volume
14
Pages
100365
ISSN
2352-8532 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.abrep.2021.100365
PMC
PMC8664777
OpenAlex
W3170784867
Cited by
36
References
75
Citations by year
2026: 9 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 2
FWCI
5.89
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Addictive Behaviors Reports (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • Research portal (Tilburg University) (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Ghent University Academic Bibliography (Ghent University) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Science Applications › Digital Media and Philosophy
  • Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Information Systems and Management › Personal Information Management and User Behavior
Keywords
social media restrictions, smartphone use, sustained attention, emotional well-being, negative emotions, positive emotions, cognitive function, self-control, impulsivity, fear of missing out, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube

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