Cognitive impacts of excessive use of social media: attention, memory, and emotion

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/1518-2924.2026.e108315

Keywords:

Cognition, Social Media, Attention, Memory, Emotion

Abstract

Objective: To reflect on how excessive use of social media can negatively affect human cognition, especially in the processes of attention, memory, and emotion, considering its impact on the dynamics of modern society.

Method: An integrative literature review was conducted, with a qualitative approach, using academic materials, information sources, and statistical data. National and international studies relating the use of social media to cognitive changes were analyzed.

Results: Findings indicate that excessive use of social media is associated with impairments in attention, overload and reduction of memory capacity, and emotional changes, such as anxiety and low tolerance to frustration. These effects impact productivity, the quality of social interactions, and overall well-being.

Conclusions: The study provides insights into understanding the cognitive impacts of intensive social media use and supports the development of strategies to minimize negative effects, promoting more balanced digital practices.

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Author Biographies

Leandro Coqueiro Souza, Universidade Federal do Paraná

He is a PhD student in Information Management at the Federal University of Paraná (2025). Master in Science, Technology and Society from the Federal Institute of Paraná (2019). Specialist in Business Management from the Federal University of Paraná (2007) and MBA in Information Technology Management from the University of Northern Paraná (2017). Bachelor in Information Systems from SPEI Faculty - Paraná Society of Education and Informatics (2005). Currently, he is an Information Technology Analyst at the Federal University of Paraná. He has experience in Information Technology, Public Administration and Teaching.

Luciana Ordine Araujo, Universidade Federal do Paraná

PhD student in Information Management. Master in Information Management from the Federal University of Paraná. Graduated in Tourism and Accounting Sciences from the Federal University of Paraná (2004 and 2016). Her professional experience includes the areas of finance and accounting, in the area of ​​public administration at IFPR.

Priscila Shizu Martins Hasegawa Chaparro dos Santos, Universidade Federal do Paraná

Master's student in the Postgraduate Program in Information Management at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), starting in 2025. Graduated in Management Processes from the University Center of Maringá - UniCesumar (2016) and in Graphic Arts from the Federal Technological University of Paraná - UTFPR (2008). Currently works as an administrative assistant at UFPR. Has experience in administration and graphic design.

Marcos Antonio Tedeschi, Universidade Federal do Paraná

PhD in Production Engineering, Ergonomics line from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (2005), Post-Doc in Technology and Society at the PPGTE of the Federal Technological University of Paraná (2021). Master in Education, systems management and IES line from PUCPr (1999), graduated in Physiotherapy from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (1983) (CREFITO-8 4168-F), graduated in Administration from the Catholic Faculty of Administration and Economics (1984) (CRA-PR 25293), graduated in Licentiate degree from the Federal Technological University of Paraná (1988) (MEC-LP 37891), graduated in Law from the University of Southern Santa Catarina (2016), Specializations in Exercise Physiology PUCPr (1986), Acupuncture from ABA/ABF (1987, validated by COFFITO in 2007), Teaching Methodology and Planning from Universidade Positivo (1995) and Traumatortofunctional Physiotherapy from COFFITO (2005). Currently, in the area of ​​education, he is a TENURED professor and researcher at the Federal University of Paraná, assigned to the Department of Information Science and Management of the Applied Social Sciences Sector (Registration 200,302), Professor in the Information Management course and Permanent Professor of the Postgraduate Program in Information Management Line 1 Information and Organizational Management, Professor of Ead in the postgraduate and undergraduate courses of the Department of Administration (DAGA) of UFPR. In the health area, he is a Retired Statutory Physiotherapist - Municipal Health Department of São José dos Pinhais (CNS Registration 10895854470). Evaluator of Residency Programs in the professional health area by CNRMS/MEC/MS, since 2010. Institutional Evaluator and courses in Administration, Law, Management, Licentiate and Physiotherapy at INEP/MEC from 2006 to 2024 and excluded in the Presidency of INEP Manuel Fernando Palacios da Cunha e Melo. Member of the Editorial Board of Editora Dialética and others, Reviewer of the Colombian Journal of Psychology, Extension in Focus Journal of UFPR, among others. He has experience in Administration, Ergonomics, Education, Information Management and Physiotherapy, with an emphasis on Occupational Health, working mainly in the following topics: Cognitive and Informational Ergonomics, Knowledge Management, Accessibility and Technology, Professional Education for Administration and Health, Management and Information in Health, Infoethics and Deontology, Health and Education Policies, Acupuncture, General Physiotherapy and Traumatortofunctional Physiotherapy.

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Capa do periódico Académico Encontros Bibli, da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC). Volume 31, ano 2026 Nela se mostram as mãos de uma pessoa com a pele morena segurando um punhado de terra escura, na qual um pequeno broto verde com duas folhas está plantado. As mãos estão centralizadas na imagem e são enquadradas por um fundo que mostra um solo seco e rachado, sugerindo um ambiente de seca ou desértico. No topo da imagem, o título da publicação, ENCONTROS BIBLI, está em letras maiúsculas brancas. Abaixo, há uma citação entre aspas: "Ética e integridade informacional: a responsabilidade científica e socioambiental da Ciência da Informação diante da urgência climática". Na parte inferior da capa, há informações institucionais: No canto esquerdo, o logo da UFSC. Ao lado, o texto "Departamento de Ciência da Informação", "Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência da Informação" e "Portal de Periódicos UFSC". Abaixo, a data "2026", o volume "V. 31" e o ISSN 1518-2924. No canto inferior direito, o logo da publicação, que consiste em um escudo roxo com as letras "EB" estilizadas em laranja. A capa utiliza as cores roxo, branco e laranja, com a maior parte da imagem ocupada pelo cenário do solo e as mãos. A arte visual e o tema do título da publicação sugerem um foco na interseção entre a ciência, a informação e as questões ambientais, como a crise climática.

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2026-02-25

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SOUZA, Leandro Coqueiro; ARAUJO, Luciana Ordine; SANTOS, Priscila Shizu Martins Hasegawa Chaparro dos; TEDESCHI, Marcos Antonio. Cognitive impacts of excessive use of social media: attention, memory, and emotion. Encontros Bibli: electronic journal of library science, archival science and information science, Florianópolis/SC, Brasil, v. 31, p. 1–21, 2026. DOI: 10.5007/1518-2924.2026.e108315. Disponível em: https://periodicos.ufsc.br/index.php/eb/article/view/108315. Acesso em: 7 mar. 2026.

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Vol. 31 (2026): Ethics and informational integrity in the climate emergency: the socio-environmental responsibility of Information Science.

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Copyright (c) 2026 Leandro Coqueiro Souza, Luciana Ordine Araujo, Priscila Shizu Martins Hasegawa Chaparro dos Santos, Marcos Antonio Tedeschi

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