Those who love to multitask with their electronic devices may actually have regions in their brains that are less dense than in those who use portable electronic devices infrequently.

A new study, conducted by Kep Kee Loh and colleagues at the University in Sussex in England, found that the gray matter in the anterior cingulate cortex was less dense in those who media multitask compared with those who do not. The anterior cingulate cortex plays a major role in emotional control and thought processes.

“Media multitasking is becoming more prevalent in our lives today and there is increasing concern about its impacts on our cognition and social-emotional well-being,” said Loh, a neuroscientist.

The study was not designed to determine whether media multitasking caused the differences. Loh said that it is possible that those with lower density in the anterior cingulate cortex are predisposed to media multitasking. This may result from decreased socio-emotional regulation in these individuals, Loh speculated.

The researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look at the brains of 75 people who reported on their personal media device, TV, and print media use habits.

Previous studies have suggested a link exists between media multitasking and inattention, anxiety, and depression. On the other hand, learning new things increases gray matter density in other brain regions.

“The exact mechanisms of these changes are still unclear,” Loh said.

The study was published online on Wednesday in the journal PLOS ONE.