Using
more than one device simultaneously is almost inevitable in our daily lives
because we face an overload of information and digital devices. As a result,
the effects of multitasking on working memory and sustained attention have
become a popular research topic in the literature, even if with inconsistent
results. The current study aims to examine the effects of media multitasking
behavior on sustained attention and working memory with a sample of Turkish
young adults. Continuous Performance Task (CPT) and Digit Span tasks were
employed for sustained attention and working memory, respectively. The results
showed that media multitasking correlated positively with digit span task
performance and negatively with the reaction time of false response in the CPT
task. That is to say, media multitasking may improve working memory performance
but inhibit maintaining attention. The results are discussed in the light of
theories of limited capacity, multiple resources, and neural plasticity.
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Psychology |
Journal Section | Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | July 31, 2019 |
Published in Issue | Year 2019 Volume: 20 Issue: 37 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.