DIGITAL COGNITIVE OVERLOAD AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING: INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF AI-MEDIATED INFORMATION CONSUMPTION ON ATTENTION REGULATION AND ANXIETY AMONG PAKISTANI YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of AI-mediated information consumption on digital cognitive overload and its subsequent effects on attention regulation and anxiety among Pakistani young adults. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from a sample of 300 participants using a structured questionnaire comprising validated scales. Statistical analyses, including correlation, regression, and mediation analysis, were conducted to test the proposed relationships.The findings revealed that AI-mediated information consumption significantly increases digital cognitive overload, which in turn negatively affects attention regulation and positively influences anxiety levels. Additionally, attention regulation was found to significantly mediate the relationship between cognitive overload and anxiety, highlighting its critical role in linking cognitive and emotional outcomes. The study contributes to the existing literature by integrating cognitive and neuropsychological perspectives within the context of AI-driven digital environments. It also provides practical insights for promoting digital well-being through improved attention management and responsible technology use. However, limitations such as the cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data suggest the need for further research to validate and extend these findings.