Combined Effect Of Dual-Task Training And Mindfulness Exercises On Cognition And Stress In Social Media Addicts

Introduction and need of the study-

Social media refers to third-party internet-based platforms that prioritize user-generated content, community-based contributions, and social interactions within their user base.

As seen by the rising number of everyday users, social media consumers have made online social communication an indispensable part of their daily lives.

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting social media use can negatively affect one’s psychological well-being.

Excessive use of social media due to higher Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) can cause cognitive failures and reduce focus on daily activities due to distraction.

Although research has shown that mindfulness exercises are effective in reducing stress and that dual-task training has an impact on cognition in different conditions, there is a dearth of literature regarding the effects of combining these two interventions for stress and cognition, particularly in the context of people who are addicted to social media.

The purpose of this study is to find out the potential effects of dual-task training and mindfulness exercises on the cognitive abilities and stress levels of social media addicts in light of the growing prevalence of social media addiction and the cognitive deficits associated with it in young people.

AIM

To evaluate the combined effect of dual-task training and mindfulness exercises on cognition and stress in social media addicts

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the combined effect of dual-task training and mindfulness exercises on:

Cognition using Lumosity (Lumos Labs, Inc.)

Stress using Perceived Stress Scale

HYPOTHESIS

Null hypothesis: There will be no effect of combined dual-task training and mindfulness exercises on cognition and stress in social media addicts

Alternative hypothesis: There will be an effect of combined dual-task training and mindfulness exercises on cognition and stress in social media addicts

PROCEDURE

The participants will be screened for moderate to high social media addiction (scores between 107 and 205) using the Social Media Addiction Scale and moderate to high perceived stress (scoring 14-40 on the PSS).

From those screened, participants will be recruited as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

The purpose and procedure of the study will be explained to the participants and written informed consent will be obtained for the same.

The baseline cognition levels will be assessed for different domains.

The initial perceived stress levels will be documented.

Dual-task training will be given: 5 days/week X 30 minutes X 2 weeks

Mindfulness exercises: 5 days/week X 90 minutes X 2 weeks

All the participants will receive the above interventions.

Post treatment the scores on different domains for cognitive abilities and perceived stress levels will be documented on the last day of intervention.

The collected data will be tabulated, interpreted and further analysis will be done.

Intervention-

Dual-task training

Training frequency- 5 days per week

Training duration- 30 minutes

Number of weeks- 2 weeks

Activity duration- 3 minutes each

Dual-task exercises

Mathematical subtraction while walking

Reciting a sentence backwards while walking

Holding of glass of water without spilling during backward walking

Balancing on BOSU ball while reciting a category of words

Treadmill walking while calculating mathematical equations

Specific set of motor tasks for a specific sound stimulus

Tandem walking while listening to a story and recollecting it after interruption

A song will be played and interrupted and the participant is encouraged to continue without getting distracted while balancing

Cycling while solving puzzles

Obstacle walking while answering general knowledge issues

Mindfulness exercises

Count 10 breaths and brief breathing meditation

Raisin meditation

Sitting meditation

Guided sitting meditation

Body scan meditation

Loving-kindness meditation

Mindful walking meditation

Silent meditation