An exploration of social networking site use, multitasking, and academic performance among United States and European university students

Studies have shown that multitasking with technology, specifically using Social Networking Sites (SNSs), decreases both efficiency and productivity in an academic setting. This study investigates multitasking’s impact on the relationship between SNS use and Grade Point Average (GPA) in United States (US; n = 451) and European (n = 406) university students using quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Moderated Multiple Regression analysis results showed that the negative relationship between SNS use and GPA was moderated by multitasking only in the US sample. This may be due to European students being less prone to “disruptive” multitasking. The results provide valuable cautionary information about the impact of multitasking and using SNSs in a learning environment on university students’ GPAs.

• Multitasking, social networking site use, and grade point average were examined.
• A negative relationship was found between SNS use and GPA moderated by multitasking.
• US students claimed to be more capable multitaskers compared to European students.
• European students may be less prone to what can be called “disruptive” multitasking.
• It is not the use of SNSs which are deleterious, but the disruptive use of them.