The complexities of digital media use in adolescents’ learning and academic performance: An experience sampling study

The increasing amount of time adolescents spend engaged with digital media has raised concerns about its impact on academic performance. This study investigates the relationship between adolescents’ digital media use and academic performance, considering the mediating role of time spent on schoolwork. Between September and November 2022, 3087 responses were collected from 343 Austrian students using the experience sampling method. The data captured the use of social media, gaming, surfing the Internet, video streaming, and audio streaming, as well as time dedicated to schoolwork and the frequency of educational digital media use. Multilevel structural equation modeling revealed that social media use, gaming, and video streaming were negatively associated with school-related obligations. In contrast, Internet use positively correlated with time spent on schoolwork. Additionally, gaming showed a direct negative association with academic performance. These findings suggest that while certain digital activities are likely to displace time spent on schoolwork, their use does not necessarily lead to poorer academic outcomes, except for gaming. Other digital activities can provide educational benefits, such as surfing the Internet. Recognizing the risks and opportunities of digital media use is key to guiding effective educational strategies.