How Short Videos Affect the Human Brain

Short videos (e.g., TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts) have become one of the most popular forms of content on social media. They take up a significant part of people’s daily lives, and many users develop an addiction to watching them. Scientists are studying how this influences the human brain.

What Is Short Video Addiction?

Short video addiction refers to a constant desire to watch new content, difficulty in stopping the viewing process, and neglecting real-life tasks in favor of video consumption. Typically, these videos last 15–60 seconds and quickly provide interesting or entertaining information.

Changes in the Brain

1. Increased Dopamine Release
Short videos stimulate the production of dopamine — the hormone of pleasure and reward. Each video provides excitement or enjoyment, making people want to watch more and more. This can lead to an imbalance in dopamine production, reducing the ability to enjoy other activities.

2. Decreased Attention Span
Fast-paced content trains the brain to process constantly changing information. This may decrease the ability to maintain focus for extended periods, making tasks requiring sustained concentration (e.g., reading books or planning) more challenging.

3. Impact on Memory
Due to the rapid nature of short videos, the brain does not have enough time to deeply process information, which weakens long-term memory retention. Users tend to forget the content they’ve watched very quickly.

4. Changes in Decision-Making Processes
The brain becomes accustomed to quick and easy rewards. This can lead to impatience and impulsiveness in real-life situations, complicating the process of making thoughtful decisions.

5. Digital Stress and Fatigue
Constant exposure to videos overstimulates the brain, causing cognitive fatigue. This can result in stress, depression, and sleep disturbances.

How to Avoid Addiction

1. Control Your Time
Set a limit for watching short videos and stick to it. Take small breaks to avoid overloading your brain.

2. Choose Beneficial Content
Focus on videos that promote learning and personal development.

3. Engage in Physical Activity
Exercise or take walks outdoors to detach from fast-paced videos and give your brain a break.

4. Prioritize Real-Life Activities
Spending time with friends, exploring new hobbies, or focusing on work can help maintain a healthy brain.

5. Conclusion
Short videos have become an integral part of modern life. However, it is crucial to understand their impact on the brain and take measures to prevent negative effects. Balanced usage and mindful content selection can help preserve brain health and improve quality of life. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”