The integration of the Internet and social media into daily life has profoundly transformed not only access to information but also individual perceptions and behaviours. This pervasive digital presence, particularly amongst younger generations, has been associated with a decline in social and communication skills, as well as a noticeable reduction in attention spans. While the Internet and social media facilitate rapid task-switching, they have concurrently diminished the ability to sustain prolonged focus on a single task. Historically, sustained attention was measured in minutes; however, this duration has now been reduced to mere seconds, presenting significant challenges for the future. These shifts necessitate a re-evaluation of educational strategies, particularly regarding how educators communicate with and engage students. Adapting to these changes will be critical in addressing the cognitive and social implications of an increasingly digital world. The primary objective of this study is to establish a theoretical foundation for future research on the reviewed issue. For this purpose, this study used various existing surveys, datasets, studies, and literature evaluating the internet and social media and their impact on individuals’ perceptions.

KEY WORDS:

attention, communication, education, Internet, social media, students

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34135/communicationtoday.2026.Vol.17.No.1.16