JAMA

Social media use in early adolescence linked to small but significant declines in cognitive performance

October 16, 2025

Study details: This longitudinal cohort study analyzed data from over 6,500 U.S. adolescents aged 9 to 13, drawn from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. Researchers categorized participants into three social media use trajectories: low/no use, moderate increase (~1 hour/day by age 13), and high increase (≥3 hours/day). Cognitive performance was assessed using NIH Toolbox tests for reading, memory, and language over a two-year follow-up.

Results: Compared with low/no users, adolescents with moderate social media use scored 1 to 2 points lower on cognitive tests, while high-use adolescents scored up to 4 to 5 points lower. These differences were consistent across domains and suggest a dose-response relationship. Notably, even low levels of use were associated with measurable declines in performance.

Clinical impact: Findings highlight the sensitivity of the developing adolescent brain to social media exposure. While causality cannot be confirmed, the consistent association between increased use and poorer cognitive outcomes supports early intervention. Pediatricians and educators may consider promoting healthy screen habits and age-appropriate social media access to safeguard learning and cognitive development.

Source:

Nagata JM, et al. (2025, October 13). JAMA. Social Media Use Trajectories and Cognitive Performance in Adolescents. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41082212/