The Influence of Social Media on Adolescent Cognitive Memory: A Review

Yiqi Hao

doi:10.54254/2753-7048/2025.LD29668

Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public MediaOpen access

The Influence of Social Media on Adolescent Cognitive Memory: A Review

Research Article

Open Access

The Influence of Social Media on Adolescent Cognitive Memory: A Review

Yiqi Hao ^1*

¹ Australian International School Hong Kong

^*Corresponding author: Dorahao2008@outlook.com

Published on 19 November 2025

LNEP Vol.119

ISSN (Print): 2753-7056

ISSN (Online): 2753-7048

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-545-5

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-546-2

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Abstract

Adolescent nowadays grow up in an environment with constant access to internet. This rapid exposure to digital platforms within the early years has raised concerns regards to its influence on cognitive memory. This article focuses on the phenomenon that frequent interaction with digital stimuli may disrupt working memory and impair attentional control. Using the multi-store model of memory, it links psychological processes such as fear of missing out, sleep disturbances, and social recognition loops to working memory disruptions. The addictive nature of social media further exacerbates the fragmentation of basic cognitive load and attention control ability. Neuroplastic changes have also been used to provide a physiological explanation for the remodeling of retrievable memories. The exposure to digital content in a fragmented manner of swiftly changing form has shown results in altering brain structure. The “Google Effect” further suggests that relying on digital information can cause the brain to become reliant on digital memory sources. Retrieval information through spatial means rather than a fixed basis lessens the attentiveness and effort used to process the sensory memory translations so that less sensory inputs find their way to long-term memory storage. Ultimately, this study highlights the multifaceted impact of social media on adolescent memory retrieval and calls for mindful technology use and further interdisciplinary research.

Keywords:

Social media, adolescent, cognitive memory

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