Short Videos... Threatening Attention and Weakening Focus and Memory

July 5, 2026 - 02:42 | Last update July 5, 2026 - 02:42

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Fahd Saleh (Jeddah) fahadoof_s@

A recent German study warned of the health and psychological repercussions of excessive use of short video clips, confirming that their impact is not limited to the displayed content, but extends to the design of the platforms themselves, which may affect attention, memory, and mental health, especially among children and adolescents.

The researchers relied on analyzing data from more than 47,000 participants, based on dozens of studies conducted over the past decade, and concluded that features such as infinite scrolling, fast clip playback, and personalized algorithms stimulate the brain's reward system, prompting users to spend more time on platforms without realizing it.

The results showed that excessive use is associated with higher levels of anxiety, stress, and depression, along with weakened working memory, reduced ability to concentrate and self-control, and increased indicators of digital addiction, particularly among high school and university students.

The study called for adopting an organized digital routine and providing recreational and social alternatives for adolescents, stressing that dealing with short videos requires different strategies than simply reducing screen time, due to the direct impact of their design on brain functions and behavior.