Functional connectivity patterns in preschool children associated with working memory performance and digital device use

Abstract

Abstract Rapid growth in touchscreen technology has made digital devices ubiquitous in early childhood, yet their neurocognitive impact remains unclear. We recorded resting‑state EEG from 31 typically developing 5‑ to 7‑year‑olds immediately before and after a short smartphone‑game session to examine whether brief screen exposure alters functional connectivity patterns in EEG space and how these changes relate to working‑memory performance. Functional connectivity graph‑theoretical metrics (global and local efficiency, clustering coefficient, assortativity and node strength) in delta and beta bands was quantified. Short-term smartphone gameplay did not induce measurable changes in EEG functional connectivity. Cluster analysis identified distinct connectivity patterns across frequency bands. Superior working-memory performance was linked to a more locally segregated and less globally integrated delta-band network. In the beta range, higher-performing children also exhibited greater local clustering, aligning with developmental increases in beta-band segregation. Accordingly, our findings suggest that EEG connectivity metrics can indeed reflect individual differences in working-memory capacity.