Effect of using
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Effects of Using Technology and Substances: Vocabulary Learning, Well-Being, and Consumption Experience
Effect of Using Corpora and Apps on Vocabulary Learning
Research shows that using corpora—large collections of texts—for second language (L2) vocabulary learning has a positive, medium-sized effect on both short-term and long-term vocabulary acquisition. The benefits are especially strong for in-depth vocabulary knowledge, such as understanding meanings and syntactic features. The effectiveness of corpus use is influenced by factors like the learner’s proficiency, the type of corpus, the way learners interact with it, and the amount of training and time spent using it . Similarly, using English vocabulary learning apps also leads to significant improvements in vocabulary learning. The most important factors for success with these apps are the learner’s habits, the ease of use, the value for the price, and the support provided. Differences in gender, grade, and major also affect how well students learn using these apps .
Effect of Using Social Media and the Internet on Well-Being
The impact of using social networking sites (SNS) and the internet on well-being is complex and depends on individual circumstances. For people with low social capital (fewer social connections), increased SNS use can create a “vicious circle,” where depression leads to more SNS use, which in turn increases depression. For those with high social capital, SNS use can expand their social network and improve life satisfaction, creating a “virtuous circle” . Meta-analyses show that internet use has a small but significant negative effect on overall well-being, including life satisfaction and self-esteem, but the effect is generally low . Among adolescents, the effects of social media use on well-being vary widely: some experience no change, some see declines, and others see improvements. The type of social media use (active or passive) does not consistently predict these effects .
Effect of Using Green Products on Consumption Experience
Using green products, such as items made from recycled materials, can enhance the enjoyment of the related consumption experience. This “greenconsumption effect” occurs because using green products makes people feel more valued by society, leading to positive emotions and greater enjoyment. The effect is stronger for people who feel low social worth, and it disappears if the environmental benefit of the product is not clear .
Effect of Using Cannabis and Marijuana
Cannabis use has been found to reduce mental well-being for both men and women and physical well-being for men, though the effects are small. The unique legal context of the Netherlands allows these findings to be separated from the effects of criminalization . Using marijuana during adolescence has a significant long-term negative effect on educational attainment, reducing the likelihood of completing college or graduate degrees later in life .
Effect of Perceived Ease of Use on Technology Adoption
Perceived ease of use is a key factor in whether people find a technology useful and develop a positive attitude toward using it. A positive attitude, in turn, increases the intention to use the technology. However, simply perceiving a technology as useful does not always directly affect attitudes unless it is also easy to use .
Frameworks for Understanding Media Effects
Media effects can be organized into frameworks that consider individual-level outcomes (like cognition, attitudes, emotions, and behavior) and macro-level outcomes (such as effects on the public or institutions). Media can influence people by providing new information, triggering existing beliefs or emotions, changing attitudes, or reinforcing what people already think or feel .
Conclusion
The effects of using various technologies, products, and substances are diverse and depend on the context, user characteristics, and the specific type of use. While technology can enhance learning and consumption experiences, its impact on well-being and long-term outcomes like education can be mixed or even negative, especially with substance use. Understanding these effects requires considering individual differences and the broader social context.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic