Italian researchers published a study in the journal Nature Human Behavior that links early social media use to poor academic performance. Using data from standardized tests and academic records, the study analyzed more than 5,000 students in Italy.

Data were used from INVALSI and the Early Screen Exposure and Unequal Performance (EYES UP) project, which includes surveys on digital device use among 10th and 11th grade students.

Students were categorized into “early adopters” and “late adopters” based on the degree to which they created their social media accounts. The effects of early exposure to these platforms were analyzed using a difference-in-differences strategy.

Study results

The results indicated that students who opened social media accounts in grades 6 or 7 showed lower scores in math and Italian compared to late adopters.

Early adopters were more likely to repeat a grade and less likely to achieve excellent grades by the end of 8th grade.

The researchers highlight the need for more studies to explore the effects of early social media use on students' social relationships and psychological well-being. Generalizability of the results is limited, and more research is required to fully understand these dynamics.

How it affects the content of the networks

The evidence reviewed agrees that intensive consumption of entertaining, distracting or unregulated content is usually associated with worse attention, less concentration, more procrastination and lower grades; Instead, educational content or content used for academic purposes can support learning and motivation.

How content influences

Main mechanisms

The negative impact usually appears because the most addictive content competes with study time and reduces the ability to maintain sustained attention. Additionally, excessive use can disrupt sleep, increase distraction, and weaken working memory, which ends up affecting homework, exams, and attendance.

In practical terms

If a student spends a large part of their time watching content that keeps them passive and goalless, performance usually suffers. The deciding factor is not just “using networks”, but what it consumes, how much time you spend on it and for what purpose.

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