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Health·The Trace·Dual reading·Published 2026-09-10

effects of digital devices, social media and AI tools on cognitive functions including attention and memory

Source article: The impact of digital technology, social media, and artificial intelligence on cognitive functions: a review

Abstract: In our modern society, digital devices, social media platforms, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools have become integral components of our daily lives, profoundly intertwined with our daily activities. These technologies have undoubtedly brought convenience, connectivity, and speed, making our lives easier and more efficient. However, their influence on our brain function and cognitive abilities cannot be ignored. This review aims to explore both the positive and negative impacts of these technologies on cruc…

TRV-2026-1055Peer-reviewedPermanent record — cite & verify
Trace impact reading

Contested: both sides are scored from claims and sources, not community votes.

P 64The P score combines the specificity and measured human impact of the grounded problem claim with the strength of this Trace’s cited sources.G 67The G score combines the specificity and measured human impact of the grounded gain claim with the strength of this Trace’s cited sources.
The impact of digital technology, social media, and artificial intelligence on cognitive functions: a review

The catalogue of books from the libraries or collections of celebrated bibliophiles and illustrious persons of the past, with arms or devices upon the bindings by Grolier Club Club Bindery. bnd CU-BANC De Vinne Press. (1895) bkp CU-BANC Nash, John Henry, 1871-1947. Public domain

The quick read

A Frontiers in Cognition review published in November 2023 surveyed how digital devices, social media platforms, and AI tools affect human cognition. It described these technologies as integral to daily life, bringing convenience and efficiency, while also examining their positive and negative influences on attention, memory, addiction, perception, decision-making, critical thinking and learning across different age groups.

The findings matter because widespread daily use of AI-infused tools may shape core mental capacities that underpin learning, work and wellbeing. The review does not present new experimental data and emphasizes that the field is rapidly evolving, leaving uncertainty about long-term effects, age-specific vulnerabilities, and which mitigation strategies actually preserve cognitive function.

Main points
  • Review covers digital devices, social media platforms, and AI tools as integral to daily activities.
  • Focuses on cognitive functions including attention, memory, addiction, novelty-seeking and perception, decision-making, critical thinking, and learning abilities.
  • Discusses differential influence across age groups: children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
  • Notes strategies to maximize benefits while mitigating drawbacks are discussed.
Gain

Digital devices, social media and AI tools have brought convenience and connectivity and can have positive impacts on cognitive functions including attention and memory.

Problem

Digital devices, social media and AI tools influence brain function and cognitive abilities, with potential negative impacts on attention, memory and related functions.

The rundown

The peer-reviewed review published November 24, 2023 examines how digital devices, social media platforms, and AI tools intertwine with daily activities and affect cognitive domains such as attention, memory, addiction, novelty-seeking and perception, decision-making, critical thinking, and learning.

It frames the technologies as bringing convenience, connectivity and speed while also raising concerns about brain function, and it considers how impacts differ for children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly, with discussion of strategies to support optimal cognitive function and wellbeing.

What this doesn’t fix

The review characterizes the evidence base as incomplete and rapidly changing, requiring more research.

Sources

Reader signal

How should this claim be treated?

The debate