Dissecting Digital Distractions: Social Media's Impact on Productivity and Self-Control Across Global Demographics and Socioeconomic Contexts

Abstract

In an era where digital platforms captivate much of our daily attention, this study aims to explore the impact of social media on individual productivity and self-control across varied global demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds. The main research question investigates how social media consumption influences user behavior, attention management, and productivity, particularly examining differences in impacts based on users’ socioeconomic and demographic contexts. The research uses a dataset that comprises 1,000 behavioral observations, social media usage metrics, self-reported productivity scores, and demographic information from users worldwide. Additionally, the dataset includes data on age, gender, income, profession, and location. Through quantitative analyses and multiple regression models, the study assesses how social media engagement correlates with changes in productivity and self-control, focusing on identifying intersectional patterns that vary across various demographic and socioeconomic segments. The study findings suggest that increased social media usage is inversely related to productivity and self-control, with notable variations across different groups. For instance, younger and lower-income demographics appear more susceptible to negative impacts on self-control. The study also highlights regional differences in social media’s influence, suggesting a more prominent effect in regions with higher social media penetration. The research provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics between social media usage and individual productivity, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to manage digital distractions.

Presenters

Waris Ahmad Faizi
Student, Ph.D. in Sociology, Virginia Tech Graduate School, Virginia, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Mediums of Disruption

KEYWORDS

Social Media, Productivity, Self-Control, Global Demographics, Socioeconomic Impact