Social media sites are increasingly focused on delivering short-form video (SFV). TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are dedicated to this type of content, which often lasts just a few seconds. Researchers have expressed concern that SFV is negatively impacting cognition and attention and worsening mental health, particularly among children and young adults.
Now, a new study has analyzed all the available data on these outcomes. Their conclusion? Spending time viewing this content has a deleterious effect on attention and inhibition, as well as anxiety and stress.
“Our synthesis of 71 studies revealed that greater engagement with these platforms is associated with poorer cognitive and mental health in both youths and adults,” the researchers write.
The study, conducted by researchers at Griffith University, Australia, was led by Lan Nguyen and published in Psychological Bulletin.
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