Scrolling is not a passive activity. Every video, message and notification competes for attention. The brain is constantly working, selecting, rejecting and processing information.
According to researchers, this can lead to mental fatigue, which may directly affect endurance and decision-making during exercise.
Studies indicate that after intense cognitive activity, athletic performance can decline because the brain becomes more resistant to effort. The body may still be capable of running, but the mind begins signalling that it has had enough.
In simple terms:
- A calm mind can improve pace and breathing.
- A mentally overloaded mind can lead to quicker fatigue and less patience.
- A distracted mind can result in poorer strategy and decision-making.
The problem with social media before training
Recent studies involving athletes suggest that 20 to 30 minutes of social media use immediately before training can negatively affect the overall quality of a workout.
More concerning is evidence suggesting that the impact may extend beyond a single training session.
A study published in the European Journal of Sport Science found that, over time, athletes who frequently used social media before training showed smaller overall improvements in performance.
Different sports, different results
The discussion around mental fatigue in sport can be traced back to a 2009 study by researcher Samuele Marcora.
The experiment found that 90 minutes of mentally demanding computer work reduced cycling endurance by around 15% compared with spending the same amount of time watching a documentary.
Research in swimming found that 30 minutes of social media use worsened performance in the 100m and 200m freestyle, but not in the 50m freestyle.
Another study reported that boxers made poorer decisions after spending time on social media, while research involving strength training found no measurable effect.
Not a black-and-white issue
Researchers at Stony Brook University identified a relationship between evening social media use and NBA players' performance the following day.
One possible explanation is that poorer performance may be linked to reduced sleep rather than social media itself.
However, other studies have found direct links between social media use and disrupted sleep patterns among young athletes, suggesting that the platforms themselves may contribute to the problem.
Some athletes appear to benefit from a small amount of scrolling, while others lose focus and rhythm.
Ultimately, experts suggest that finding a healthy balance is key, recognising the importance of personal boundaries and self-regulation in the digital age.
Source: vita.gr
