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Social media is everywhere, and likely not surprising, teenagers are some of the biggest consumers. The bad news is, a new study shows that heavy social media use among preteens and teenagers is linked to poorer cognitive performance. Specifically, social media is having a negative impact on teenagers’ long-term memory and, ultimately, their test scores.
The results of the study showed that children aged 9-13 who spent more time on social platforms scored lower on reading, vocabulary, and memory tests two years later compared to peers who didn’t use social media. The findings were peer-reviewed and in October 2025 they were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, adding credibility.
Key Findings
- Lower memory scores: Preteens with higher social media use performed worse on memory tests in early adolescence.
- Decline in reading and language: Excessive use was associated with poorer reading and vocabulary outcomes.
- Long-term cognitive impact: The negative effects were observed two years later, suggesting lasting consequences.
- Dose-response relationship: Even low levels of social media use correlated with poorer outcomes, not just heavy use.
Social Media Risks
- Attention fragmentation: Constant switching between apps and notifications may weaken working memory and focus.
- Sleep disruption: Late-night scrolling can impair memory consolidation, which happens during deep sleep.
- Reward pathways: Social media algorithms exploit dopamine-driven reward systems, potentially reshaping adolescent brain development.
- Academic performance: Lower scores in reading and language tests may translate into long-term educational disadvantages.
Advice from a
Mark Baumgartner, a licensed professional counselor and Vice President of Outpatient Operations at The Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, joined 3TV News to talk about how social media may be doing more than just distracting teens, it could be undermining their memory and brain development.
“The concern here is that the brain is super vulnerable because it’s developing in childhood and adolescence, and if the brain’s optimizing for functioning for short attention span, high reward, which occurs with social media scrolling, it may not optimize as well for higher functioning tasks,” Baumgartner said.
Baumgartner said as children grow, their brains become more efficient for things like problem-solving and critical thinking. But if a child is spending too much time on social media, those skills do not develop in a normal, healthy way. He said another danger is social media taking away key concentration skills that teens need.
“I’m going to have more difficulty if I’m a teen spending tons of time on social media, being able to attend to other things that require more concentration and critical thinking,” Baumgartner said. “So it might be harder to complete assignments. There could be variations in mood and irritability when I’m not constantly able to attend to my notifications and connecting.”
Baumgartner stressed that overuse of social media can have negative consequences.
“I’m not getting enough sleep, or I’m not making social connections or connecting with my family as well as I might, and so we know that there can be increased isolation, reduced activity that can affect health physically and mentally,” he said.
Baumgartner said that parents should set limits on social media to allow teens to use it in a practical way while not becoming compulsive users. “First and foremost, no phones in the bedrooms,” said Baumgartner. “Like in my house, we put them in a central place near the kitchen to charge at night.”
He recommends that parents and educators monitor social media usage, model healthy screen habits, and promote more offline activities.
Mitigating Risks
- Set digital hygiene routines (tech-free time during meals, homework, bedtime)
- Encourage memory-building activities (brain games, journaling, mindfulness)
- Use tools like app timers and incentives
- Promote offline activities like reading and sports
Paying attention to content is important for everybody. Moreover, moderation is key. Balancing the use of social media with other activities may mitigate risks.
