Effectiveness of a new Scout-based program on working memory in social media addicted individuals: A case report

¹ Higher Institute of Nursing and Health Techniques, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Kenitra, Morocco.
² Clinical and Cognitive Neurosciences, and Nutritional Health Team, Laboratory of Nutrition Health and Environment, Department of Biology, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco.
³ School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, China

Abstract

Daily engagement with social networks can lead to addiction, contributing to deteriorating psychological health and impairments in neurocognitive functions, particularly affecting working memory and perception. These issues are associated with decreased academic performance among adolescents and young adults. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a non-drug remediation method on enhancing working memory and perception in adolescents. The research is conducted during a summer camp organized by the Moroccan Hassania Scouting, Kenitra branch, involving nine adolescents. Four boys and five girls were randomly selected from a pool of 50 participants. We used the digital Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test, the facebook addiction test, the nomophobia test, and a questionnaire. Additionally, we implemented our own remediation model, LAR-P, inspired by the Scout Method but adapted for our 10-day camping program. Our results demonstrate a significant improvement in working memory, as indicated by enhanced scores on the FCR-A test before and after the program. This non-drug remediation method, employing our LAR-P program, draws on the “learning by doing” principle, validating its efficacy in enhancing neurocognitive skills and performance.