The Link Between Media Multitasking and Snacking - International Coaching Federation
ICF Annual Sale: Save on coaching resources today! Sale ends January 15!

The Link Between Media Multitasking and Snacking

Posted by Savannah Patton | June 19, 2018 | Comments (0)

It’s a Tuesday night, and you’re sitting down on the couch with your favorite snack minutes before your favorite show comes on. Halfway through the show, you realize you’ve been on your phone most of the time and your snack is almost gone. How does this always seem to happen?

According to a study by Michigan State University, this is not anything uncommon. The study states that “media multitasking” can heavily influence snacking. Media multitasking is the act of switching between various screens—all with different content. When we do this, we experience “cognitive overload,” says Michigan State Assistant Professor Anastasia Kononova.

The study divided 140 participants into four different groups, each group in a different scenario. All groups were provided with an assortment of healthy and unhealthy snacks. The scenarios were:

  • Watching TV
  • Watching TV and texting
  • Watching TV, texting, and reading an article and taking a quiz on the information
  • Watching TV, texting and shopping online

The group in the least pleasant scenario, with the article and the quiz, were 32 percent more likely to eat more unhealthy snacks than healthy snacks. The group that watched TV, texted and shopped online were 26 percent more likely to choose the healthy snacks. Kononova explains these results with a phenomenon many of us know too well, stress eating.

It makes sense. An unpleasant or stressful scenario can drive us to “pleasant” foods.  The brain feels like it should compensate these stressful feelings with comfort and happiness.

“At the same time, not every form of multitasking seems to be harmful to one’s diet. If you enjoy using multiple screens together, it might help your food choices,” says Kononova. If you’re a parent, educator or professional leader, keep this in mind. Do you notice employees thriving or stressing when media multitasking?

savannah patton headshot

Savannah Patton

Savannah Patton is the ICF Communications Assistant and a freelance writer for Kentucky Sports Radio. She graduated in May 2016 from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor's degree in Integrated Strategic Communications with a focus in Public Relations.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts featured on this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of the International Coach Federation (ICF). The publication of a guest post on the ICF Blog does not equate to an ICF endorsement or guarantee of the products or services provided by the author.

Additionally, for the purpose of full disclosure and as a disclaimer of liability, this content was possibly generated using the assistance of an AI program. Its contents, either in whole or in part, have been reviewed and revised by a human. Nevertheless, the reader/user is responsible for verifying the information presented and should not rely upon this article or post as providing any specific professional advice or counsel. Its contents are provided “as is,” and ICF makes no representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law specifically disclaims any and all liability for any damages or injuries resulting from use of or reliance thereupon.

Leave a Reply

Not a member?

Sign up now to become a member and receive all of our wonderful benefits.

Learn more