Capston Research: Entry Four

This section of my research focuses on the direct effects that excessive short-form content, such as TikTok videos, can have on people, particularly younger generations.

One study titled “The effect of short-form video addiction on undergraduates’ academic procrastination: a moderated mediation model” examined how short-form video use affects undergraduate students. The researchers explained that short videos, like those on TikTok, have become a major source of entertainment, but their popularity has also led to growing concerns about addiction. This kind of overuse can negatively impact both mental and physical health. The study specifically looked at how short-video addiction relates to academic procrastination. The findings showed that students who are more addicted to short-form videos tend to procrastinate more on their schoolwork. This happens not only directly, but also indirectly because excessive video use weakens attention control. The study also considered personality traits like boredom proneness, suggesting that students who get bored easily may be even more vulnerable to this cycle.

A second study titled “Impact of Short Reels on Attention Span and Academic Performance of Undergraduate Students” focused on how frequent exposure to short video “reels” affects students’ attention spans and academic performance. Their research found that regularly watching short, fast-paced videos can significantly reduce attention span, making it harder for students to concentrate and retain information. As a result, this decline in focus can lead to lower academic performance. The study, which analyzed data from 150 undergraduate students, showed a clear relationship between high consumption of short videos, shorter attention spans, and weaker academic outcomes. However, the researchers also noted that certain teaching strategies (especially interactive and multimedia approaches) may help counteract these negative effects by keeping students more engaged in learning.

Additionally, a study titled “Demystifying the New Dilemma of Brain Rot in the Digital Era: A Review” explores the concept of “brain rot”. “Brain rot” refers to the mental fatigue and cognitive decline associated with overconsumption of low-quality digital content. According to the researchers, excessive consumption of digital content can lead to emotional desensitization, cognitive overload, and a more negative self-image. It is also closely linked to unhealthy digital behaviors such as doomscrolling, “zombie scrolling,” and social media addiction, all of which are associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and overall psychological distress.

In addition, these habits can weaken executive functioning skills, including memory, planning, and decision-making. The study explains that these effects are intensified by dopamine-driven feedback loops, which keep users continuously engaged with digital content.

To address these issues, the researchers recommend strategies such as limiting screen time, being more intentional about the type of content consumed, and participating in offline activities.
Supporting this idea, an article from The Washington Post reports that heavy use of short-form videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts is linked to decreased attention, weaker memory, and declining mental health. A recent meta-analysis cited in the article found that increased consumption of short videos is associated with poorer cognitive performance and higher levels of anxiety.


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