Is cognitive decline real? Scientists caution about growing dangers associated with short-form video

As short-form video dominates social media platforms, researchers are investigating how this fast-paced, algorithm-driven content might be influencing the brain. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and even LinkedIn and Substack have made short-form videos a staple of online engagement.

Emerging studies suggest that heavy consumption of short-form video may be linked to difficulties with attention and self-regulation. Although still preliminary, this research aligns with growing worries about "brain rot," a term defined by the Oxford University Press as the alleged decline in a person's mental or intellectual capacity. The term gained widespread recognition and was named the 2024 word of the year by the academic publisher.

A September review analyzing 71 studies with almost 100,000 participants indicated that frequent short-form video use was associated with reduced cognitive function, particularly affecting attention spans and impulse control. This review, published in Psychological Bulletin, also found correlations with increased levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness. An October paper reviewing 14 studies similarly linked heavy usage to shorter attention spans and diminished academic performance.

Despite these findings, some experts caution that the long-term consequences remain uncertain. James Jackson, a neuropsychologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, highlighted that society has historically reacted strongly to new technologies, from video games to music trends. While he urges caution against overreaction, he acknowledges that many concerns are legitimate.

"The idea that only older generations worry about this, or that concern signals being out of touch, is overly simplistic," Jackson stated. Current evidence suggests that excessive engagement with short-form videos can negatively affect the brain, but further research is needed to identify who is most at risk, how lasting the effects might be, and the mechanisms behind these changes.

In the U.S., diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are increasing, with about 1 in 9 children diagnosed by 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Keith Robert Head, a doctoral student in social work, noted that some symptoms linked to short-form video use overlap with ADHD, raising questions about whether new diagnoses may sometimes reflect media-related impacts rather than true ADHD.

Research from multiple countries, including the U.K., Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, has also observed connections between short-form video consumption and attention difficulties, memory disruption, and cognitive fatigue. However, these studies do not prove causation and often examine only short-term effects rather than long-term outcomes.

Dr. Nidhi Gupta, a pediatric endocrinologist studying screen time effects, emphasized the need to study older adults as well, who may be vulnerable due to less technological experience and more free time. She warned that short-form video could foster a novel form of addiction, comparing it to "video games and TV on steroids." Gupta suggested that establishing definitive long-term cognitive effects could take years, but early signs may already support concerns about these videos' impact.

Jackson also noted that short-form video can have positive effects, such as educational opportunities and fostering online communities. He stressed that the key is moderation: "When engagement with these videos detracts from healthier activities or social connections, it becomes problematic."

Author: Noah Whitman