Pick a Carrot: The Effects of Multitasking With Screen Devices on Snack Food Choices

• In Event: Attention and Divided Attention

Abstract

The present study explored the effects of media multitasking on the choice of healthful and les healthful snack foods. Participants used one or several media to complete tasks and were offered snacks during the procedure. Half of the snacks were healthful and another half were energy dense and nutrient poor (EDNP). The results of the study indicated that with the increase in media multitasking, the choice of healthful snacks decreased while the choice of EDNP snacks stayed somewhat the same. Participants’ intake of tomatoes and carrots decreased in television + texting condition and television + texting + online reading condition, compared with television use only condition. The consumption of candy and potato chips stayed the same. Participants choices and consumption of healthful snacks decreased the most in television + texting + online reading condition, which was rated as highly arousing and less pleasant than other media use and multitasking conditions.

Authors

• Anastasia G Kononova, Michigan State U

• Anna R. McAlister, Michigan State U

• Hyun Jung Oh

• Wonkyung Kim, Michigan State University

• Nagwan Refaat Zahry, Michigan State U

• Sean Cash, Tufts U

• Chen Qi, Michigan State U

• Xinrui Gao, Michigan State U

• Luiz Figueira, Michigan State U

• Xueyiting Li, Michigan State U