Digital Entanglement: The Influence of Internet Addiction and Negative Affect on Memory Functions—A Structural Approach

This study examines how Internet Addiction (IA) and negative affect relate to everyday memory lapses in Portuguese students and teachers. A cross-sectional sample of 254 participants (167 youth aged < 25 years and 87 adults aged ≥ 25 years) completed validated instruments measuring IA, emotional states, and everyday memory lapses. Memory lapses were assessed with the Memory Lapses Questionnaire (QLM), which evaluates five factors: verbal distraction, failed actions, local/geographical orientation, memory for names and faces, and recovery of misplaced objects. Structural equation modeling showed a strong direct effect of IA on memory lapses among adults (β = 0.94, p = 0.002) and a small indirect effect via negative affect among youth (indirect β = 0.08, p = 0.002), whereas the mediation was not significant in adults. IA correlated moderately (0.32 ≤ r ≤ 0.45) with QLM subscales such as verbal distraction and spatial orientation, and youth reported more verbal distractions and orientation errors than adults. These findings suggest that excessive digital engagement impairs everyday memory, particularly attentional and spatial aspects, and that emotional disturbances contribute only modestly among younger users. This study highlights the need for age-tailored interventions addressing both maladaptive internet use and emotional regulation.