Social media and digital content are widely and increasingly used around the world, causing debate over their addictive qualities and psychological impact. In particular, the consumption of short videos has increased in recent years, causing discussion about a new behavioral addiction, short-video addiction. A new study has investigated the impact of short-video addiction on neurobiological mechanisms and decision-making abilities.
What is short-video addiction?
Short-video addiction (SVA) is characterized by the obsessive and chronic use of short-video apps, leading to psychological dependence and cravings. [1]
Short videos, typically between 15 and 60 seconds, are common on various social media platforms, including Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok, and have become one of the most widely used forms of social media. These sites utilize algorithms that can tailor the user’s content based on their activity, showing new videos that they are likely to find entertaining and engaging. [2]
People then scroll through video after video, consuming excessive amounts of content. Each video triggers the brain’s reward system, encouraging continued and excessive use, ultimately leading to changes in the brain that cause addiction. With SVA, people compulsively watch short video content, experiencing cravings or withdrawal symptoms and changes in behavior and mood. [3]
Comparing short-video addiction with substance addictions
Research suggests that the neural mechanisms involved in the development of SVA are similar to those seen with substance addictions and other behavioral addictions. Changes in behavior and functioning that appear to occur with both substance addictions and SVA include: [2][3][5][6]
- Emotion dysregulation
- Cravings
- Mood changes
- Impairments in reward system functioning
- Higher likelihood of risky decision-making
- Abnormalities in prefrontal cortex functioning
- Impulsivity
- Impairments in social, professional, and personal functioning
Decision-making gone awry: How short-video addiction changes the brain
With excessive watching, dopamine is released rapidly and in large amounts. Viewing becomes repeated and prolonged, creating neural changes, addiction, and psychological dependence, causing cravings and psychological effects. [2][4] These effects impact thought processes and behaviors. A new study has found that SVA can impact decision-making capabilities, reduce loss aversion and self-control, and increase impulsivity and pleasure-seeking behaviors. [2]
The study utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to recognize neural mechanisms that occur when an individual is faced with a gambling task that results in potential gains and potential losses. The purpose was to determine the differences between individuals with varying signs of SVA and their decision-making process, including how quickly they assess evidence and make a choice.
The findings of the study suggest that people who show more signs of SVA are less sensitive to loss and potentially underestimate their potential losses compared to gains. This group also showed changes in brain activity in the areas of the brain associated with cognitive control, value-based evaluation, sensory processing, and self-reflection. [2]
These differences contribute to maladaptive and impulsive decision-making and risky behavior, and a bias toward choices with immediate rewards regardless of awareness or concern about potential losses. In the context of SVA, this leads to excessive and compulsive short-video consumption as a means to provide reward, even when the individual is aware of the negative consequences. [2]
Consequences beyond the screen
The development of SVA not only affects behaviors associated with social media use and decision-making but also impacts other aspects of physical and mental well-being. This can include: [1][2][3][5]
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety
- Reduced attention span
- Becoming easily distracted
- Impairments in academic performance
- Impaired sleep quality
- Relationship difficulties
- Social anxiety
- Problems with vision due to increased visual fatigue
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Increased likelihood of obesity and heart issues
- Increased risk of engaging in risky behavior
Who is at risk?
Anyone can be at risk of developing an addiction to short videos. Typically, people aged 18-34 are the most likely to watch short videos excessively, thus making them the age group most at risk. Additionally, content is mostly tailored to this demographic, particularly younger people, to improve engagement ratings. [7]
Young people may also be at high risk due to the influences and pressures of their social environment, as well as a lower level of self-control compared to adults. [3]
Another risk factor is a history of addiction or addictive behaviors. The neurological and psychological changes that occur with one addiction can increase the likelihood of engaging in other reward-seeking behaviors. [6]
How much screen time is too much?
Unfortunately, there is no set answer to this question. People use screens for different purposes, and even social media use can have potential benefits or professional uses.
However, it is a good idea for people to limit their internet use, including the use of short-video content, to prevent harmful effects and addictive behaviors. Recommendations suggest that adults have no more than 2-3 hours of recreational screen time per day, including televisions, tablets, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. Children should be discouraged from using screens for more than 1-2 hours per day. [5][8]
Also read: Florida Leads Charge on Social Media Ban for Young Teens
Prevention, recovery, and digital resilience
The following strategies can help prevent SVA and manage internet use: [3][8]
- Set limits: Set specific times of the day that you can access social media and a time limit for your duration of use.
- Socialize: Spending time with friends and loved ones can help reduce phone use, improve mood, and improve social connections, which can be a protective factor in the development of SVA.
- Balance online and offline: Engage in offline hobbies, such as sports, music, art, and other relaxing activities that involve physical activity or engagement.
- Turn off notifications: Putting your phone on airplane mode or do not disturb, or turning off notifications from short-video apps, can help prevent the urge to pick up your phone.
- Identify triggers and find alternative behaviors: People might subconsciously pick up their phone when they are bored or lonely. Recognize the times when this is most likely to happen and find an alternative activity or purposefully avoid phone use.
- Parental modeling: Parents can model and encourage healthy technology use in the home, such as leaving their phones in another room or ignoring notifications during family time.
If you are struggling to manage your internet use and have noticed negative impacts in your social, personal, or professional life, you may benefit from professional support. Professionals can offer advice to improve well-being and reduce short-video use, and can provide therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help recognize and alter behaviors. [3]
