The role of user control in media multitasking effects

Abstract

User control is a characteristic of a medium, which allows users to control the pace and sequence with which information is presented. This study examined the role of user control in recognition memory when media users multitask. More specifically, it was examined whether user control could reduce the negative impact of media multitasking on recognition memory. Results of Study 1 showed that high user control induced greater recognition memory compared to low or moderate user control. In addition, Study 2 and 3 showed that the positive impact of high user control on recognition memory was stronger when structural interference was high (e.g., visual-visual multitasking) than when structural interference was low (e.g., visual-audio multitasking). The theoretical and practical implications are further discussed.