Mobile use induces local attentional precedence and is associated with limited socio-cognitive skills in preschoolers

Mobile touch screen devices (MTSDs; i.e., smartphones and tablets) are now being used at an early and neuroplastic age by an ever-growing number of children, with this use likely affecting cognitive development. In a cross-sectional study, we investigated whether frequent MTSD user preschoolers exhibit different attentional and socio-cognitive skills compared to non-users. In a second, experimental study, we tested whether exposure to digital and non-digital games is associated with differences in attentional performance, and whether game pace moderates observed effects. Findings of both studies indicate pre-existing and experimentally-induced MTSD use was associated with global precedence in selective attention tasks, but an atypical, local precedence in a divided attention task. Further, playing with a fast digital game eliminated the advantage of selective attention over divided attention observed in the non-digital and slow digital game conditions. MTSD use was not associated with emotion recognition but was associated with worse theory of mind. We argue that the observed correlates and effects of MTSD use, and specifically of games, can be explained by a combination of MTSD characteristics (e. g., screens are rich in local and multiple modes of information, relatively limited social experience) and game characteristics (e.g., fast speed). Our results may be informative for the design and optimization of game structure and function, and may even call for influencing parameters of MTSD use that could affect mental functioning in this sensitive age.

Automated summary

The study found that frequent use of mobile touch screen devices was associated with global precedence in selective attention tasks, but atypical, local precedence in a divided attention task. Playing fast digital games eliminated the advantage of selective attention over divided attention observed in non-digital and slow digital game conditions. MTSD use was not linked with emotion recognition, but was associated with poorer theory of mind.