Short-form videos (typically 15–60 seconds in length) are widely consumed but carry significant cognitive, emotional, and physical consequences. This article outlines the key negative impacts supported by research and neuroimaging evidence.

I. Cognitive Impairment

Fragmented Attention

The rapid-switching nature of short-form content reshapes neural pathways, decreasing the brain’s ability to maintain sustained focus. This leads to difficulty concentrating on long-form tasks such as reading or learning. Long-term users show significantly higher rates of attention dispersion.

Decline in Deep Thinking

Consuming fragmented, low-effort content keeps the brain in passive mode, reducing engagement of higher cognitive functions. Over time, this erodes logical reasoning and systematic thinking skills, making it harder to engage in complex problem-solving.

Memory Mechanism Damage

The constant influx of information overloads the brain’s capacity to process and store content, disrupting memory formation. Studies have linked addiction to short videos with reduced gray matter density in the left cingulate cortex, impairing memory efficiency.

II. Mental Health Risks

Dopamine Dependence and Emotional Dysregulation

Short videos offer instant gratification, triggering dopamine release. This fuels addictive behaviors and gradually reduces dopamine receptor sensitivity, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and reduced ability to experience pleasure (anhedonia).

Increased Depression Risk

Research from Tsinghua University links short video addiction to elevated depressive symptoms. Emotional "conflict" and "sad mood" are identified as key bridge symptoms contributing to this association.

Weakened Social Skills

Increased screen time replaces in-person interactions, reducing opportunities for developing empathy and real-world communication skills. Some adolescents exhibit limited vocabulary and conversational ability in offline settings.

III. Physical Health Impacts

Vision Damage and Sleep Deprivation

Average daily usage of 151 minutes (2024 data) contributes to accommodative myopia. Blue light from screens disrupts melatonin production, leading to delayed sleep onset and poorer sleep quality.

Structural Brain Changes

Neuroimaging reveals reduced gray matter in the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus among long-term users. This region governs executive functions like emotional regulation and decision-making.

Early-Onset Postural Issues

Extended screen use promotes forward-head posture, with a rising incidence of cervical spine curvature reversal in adolescents. Prolonged sedentary behavior also reduces overall physical activity.

IV. Values and Behavioral Deviations

Information Cocoon Effect

Recommendation algorithms push similar content repeatedly, creating an echo chamber and limiting cognitive diversity. Exposure to misinformation or pseudoscience (e.g., "quantum speed reading") builds flawed knowledge systems.

Materialistic Tendencies

Influencer-driven advertising encourages impulsive spending, with over 60% of teens reporting purchases of unnecessary items due to promotions. Cases of rapid online fame distort perceptions of success—17% of teenagers now express a desire to "become influencers" as a career.