Media Multitasking and Sleep Problems: A Longitudinal Study Among Adolescents

• In Event: Distracted, Dissatisfied, Drunk, and Other Disorders: Youth, Media, and Well-Being

Abstract

The increase in media multitasking among adolescents has raised concerns about its possible negative impact on sleep problems. Although cross-sectional studies have provided first support for a relationship between media multitasking and sleep problems, studies have not yet investigated this relationship longitudinally. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine the longitudinal relationship between media multitasking and sleep problems among 802 adolescents (11-15 years, 49% boys). Respondents filled in a questionnaire three times during a school year, with three-month intervals. The findings indicated that media multitasking and sleep problems are reciprocally related, with stronger evidence for the predictive role of media multitasking on sleep problems. The study provides first evidence for a reciprocal relationship between media multitasking and adolescents’ sleep problems.

Authors

• Winneke van der Schuur, University of Amsterdam

• Susanne E. Baumgartner, U of Amsterdam

• Sindy R. Sumter, U of Amsterdam

• Patti M. Valkenburg, University of Amsterdam