Influence of Social Networking Usage on the Levels of Attention Control and Perceived Memory Functioning Ability of the Young Adults

Abstract

Social networking usage has detrimental effects on attention control and memory functioning in young adults. The current study highlights the association between social networking usage and attention control, as well as perceived memory functioning ability. A total of two hundred participants acquired from convenience sampling (within 18 – 25 years) using measures of self-report measures. For social networking usage “Social Networking Usage Questionnaire” by Gupta & Bashir (2018) was used that includes nineteen items across four dimensions: academic, socialization, entertainment, and informativeness. For attention control, the “Attention Control Scale” by Derryberry & Reed (2002) was used and it includes twenty items. For memory functioning, the “Memory Questionnaire” by Venkateshwarlu (2022) was adopted. The scale consists of forty-two items on a 5-point Likert scale. Pearson’s Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression were used as statistical techniques. The findings suggest a weak negative relationship among social networking usage and attention control and weak positive relationship between social networking and perceived memory functioning ability. However, there is a significant influence of using social networking usage on attention control and perceived memory functioning ability. Further investigations are required into underlying mechanisms, and individual differences.