The relationship between social media use and adolescent inattention and impulsivity: A systematic review
Academic Article
Publication Date:
2026
abstract:
Objective
This systematic review aims to evaluate the association between social media use (SMU) and ADHD-related outcomes—primarily inattention and impulsivity—among adolescents aged 10–19 years.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted across PsycINFO, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase in June 2025. Search terms included: ("social media" OR "social network" OR "social networking site" OR Instagram OR TikTok OR Facebook) AND (adolescen* OR teen* OR youth) AND (ADHD OR "attention deficit" OR inattention OR impulsivit* OR hyperactiv*). Eligible studies included both general population samples and adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Filters were applied to include articles published in English between 2015 and 2025. Although a formal risk of bias assessment was not conducted, study characteristics and methodological variability were qualitatively evaluated.
Results
Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized. Across both clinical and non-clinical samples, most studies reported a significant association between problematic social media use and ADHD-related traits or symptoms, particularly inattention. Evidence for associations with impulsivity was also observed, whereas findings related to hyperactivity were less consistent and less frequently examined. However, considerable heterogeneity in study design, measurement tools, and operationalization of SMU limited direct comparability and synthesis.
Conclusion
Problematic social media use appears to be associated with increased inattention- and impulsivity-related outcomes in adolescents. While current evidence suggests a meaningful link, the predominance of cross-sectional designs limits conclusions about directionality. Future research should adopt longitudinal and experimental approaches, employ standardized and conceptually precise measures of social media use, and clarify the role of specific ADHD dimensions.
This systematic review aims to evaluate the association between social media use (SMU) and ADHD-related outcomes—primarily inattention and impulsivity—among adolescents aged 10–19 years.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted across PsycINFO, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase in June 2025. Search terms included: ("social media" OR "social network" OR "social networking site" OR Instagram OR TikTok OR Facebook) AND (adolescen* OR teen* OR youth) AND (ADHD OR "attention deficit" OR inattention OR impulsivit* OR hyperactiv*). Eligible studies included both general population samples and adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Filters were applied to include articles published in English between 2015 and 2025. Although a formal risk of bias assessment was not conducted, study characteristics and methodological variability were qualitatively evaluated.
Results
Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized. Across both clinical and non-clinical samples, most studies reported a significant association between problematic social media use and ADHD-related traits or symptoms, particularly inattention. Evidence for associations with impulsivity was also observed, whereas findings related to hyperactivity were less consistent and less frequently examined. However, considerable heterogeneity in study design, measurement tools, and operationalization of SMU limited direct comparability and synthesis.
Conclusion
Problematic social media use appears to be associated with increased inattention- and impulsivity-related outcomes in adolescents. While current evidence suggests a meaningful link, the predominance of cross-sectional designs limits conclusions about directionality. Future research should adopt longitudinal and experimental approaches, employ standardized and conceptually precise measures of social media use, and clarify the role of specific ADHD dimensions.
Iris type:
14.a.1 Articolo su rivista
Keywords:
Social media use, Problematic social media use, Adolescents, Inattention, Impulsivity, ADHD-related traits, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Digital media
List of contributors:
Fabio, Rosa Angela; Picciotto, Giulia
Published in: