Abstract: This study aimed to explore the immediate effects of smartphone-based social media use on table tennis performance variables such as reaction speed, stroke execution accuracy, and focus. A total of 14 young athletes, consisting of 7 males and 7 females (10.86 ± 1.83 years; 2.43 ± 0.65 years of experience in table tennis) participated in a randomized and counterbalanced quasi-experimental study divided into two groups: (a) social media group (SMG) and (b) table-tennis videos group (TTVG). The study assessed four variables: Stroop Test, reaction speed, a specific table tennis test, and focus (Toulouse-Piéron Test). The results indicated significant pre- and post-differences in hits, errors, and total points for both groups (p < .01), with no significant differences between groups in the three field tests. In conclusion, a 30-minute exposure to either game-related videos or social media stimuli in children led to improved scores, hits, and errors in the Stroop Test. These results suggest that acute exposure to virtual stimuli, regardless of type, enhances inhibitory control and attention abilities.Keywords: Table tennis, social media, smartphones, focus, sports performance.
