Short videos are changing the brain: scientists discover alarming effect

The article examines the impact of the habit of consuming short videos (TikTok, Reels, Shorts) on cognitive functions. Research reviews reveal a link between intensive scrolling and deterioration of concentration, memory, and impulse control, but a causal relationship has not been proven. The key factor is identified as the endless feed, devoid of natural stopping points, rather than the format of the videos themselves.

The article on the Cursor Info website examines the impact of the habit of consuming short videos on human cognitive functions. Citing The Guardian and scientific reviews, author Tomer Adoni writes that studies reveal a link between intensive scrolling through a feed of short clips (TikTok, Reels, Shorts) and lower results in tests of attention, working and episodic memory, as well as the ability to control impulsive actions. However, it is emphasized that a causal relationship has not been proven: it is possible that people with initially low concentration are more likely to choose this format of content. The key factor is said to be not the duration of an individual clip, but the principle of an endless feed, devoid of natural stopping points (end of a series, chapter, film). This creates a chain of quick rewards, where the user constantly expects a more interesting stimulus. After prolonged viewing of short videos, regular content may seem too slow. The article does not call for a complete rejection, but recommends setting user limits: time limits in the app, disabling notifications.