Social Media Distraction on Working Memory Depend on the Default Mode Network and Dependence Load
Poster No:
650
Submission Type:
Abstract Submission
Authors:
Juan Kou1, Lei Xu1
Institutions:
1Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China., Chengdu , Sichuan
First Author:
Juan Kou
Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China.
Chengdu , Sichuan
Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China.
Chengdu , Sichuan
Co-Author:
Lei Xu
Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China.
Chengdu , Sichuan
Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China.
Chengdu , Sichuan
Introduction:
Online social media use has transformed interactions between humans and provides considerable opportunities. However, debates about potential detrimental effects such as online social distractions are increasing. Initial studies have explored the effects of social media information on cognitive performance, particularly attention processing and the functioning of the Default Mode Network (DMN). Yet, limited research has focused on its influence on working memory. This study aimed to investigate the impact of social media information (specifically WeChat) on adults' working memory performance while engaged in a computer-based task with concomitant fMRI acquisition.
Methods:
In a randomized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment, 94 participants completed 2-back working memory tasks under conditions of social information distraction, nonsocial information distraction, and no information distraction.
Results:
Results showed that social media information distraction led to decreased accuracy in the working memory task, reduced activation in the right posterior cingulate cortex gyrus (PCC), and increased functional connectivity between the DMN and the Dorsal Attention Network (DAN). Furthermore, the level of dependence symptom load on WeChat moderated the relationship between brain responses and working memory performance during social media information invasion. This study provides initial evidence that social information distraction can impair working memory performance. The social media dependence symptom level influenced the connection between PCC/DMN-DAN engagement and behavioral accuracy under social media distraction.
· Behavioral and neural group differences (A) Whole brain peak activation map of main effect of distraction condition (pFDR peak = 0.042); (B) Post hoc group comparisons analysis of main effect in the
Conclusions:
This study provides initial evidence that social information distraction can impair working memory performance. The social media dependence symptom level influenced the connection between PCC/DMN-DAN engagement and behavioral accuracy under social media distraction. These findings suggest that, compared to nonsocial distractions, online social media information disrupts working memory through the posterior DMN and its communication with large scale networks engaged in attention regulation. Overall, this research contributes to the ongoing debates about the impact of social media use on cognitive functioning and the underlying neural mechanisms in the domain of working memory among individuals with elevated levels of social media dependence.
Emotion, Motivation and Social Neuroscience:
Social Interaction 1
Learning and Memory:
Working Memory 2
Modeling and Analysis Methods:
fMRI Connectivity and Network Modeling
Novel Imaging Acquisition Methods:
BOLD fMRI
Perception, Attention and Motor Behavior:
Attention: Visual
Keywords:
Experimental Design
MRI
Psychiatric
Social Interactions
1|2Indicates the priority used for review
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Provide references using APA citation style.
Zhao, W., Becker, B., Yao, S., Ma, X., Kou, J., & Kendrick, K. M. (2019). Oxytocin enhancement of the placebo effect may be a novel therapy for working memory impairments. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 88(2), 125-126.
Montag, C., Marciano, L., Schulz, P. J., & Becker, B. (2023). Unlocking the brain secrets of social media through neuroscience. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 27(12), 1102-1104.