Platforms that feature short-form video content like TikTok and Instagram have reshaped digital habits worldwide. This has prompted researchers to investigate how these rapid clips influence thinking patterns and emotional states. A particular comprehensive review published in September 2025 examined 71 studies involving 980299 participants to examine possible cognitive and mental health consequences linked with heavy engagement.
The Cognitive Costs and Mental Health Impact of Short-Form Videos According to An Examination of 71 Studies
A scroll through short clips may feel harmless, but a sweeping analysis of 71 studies reveals a different story. Researchers found links between rapid video feeds and weaker attention, elevated stress, and signs of compulsive use.
Background
Previous studies have explored how short-form content affects the cognitive abilities and mental health of users. A term called TikTok brain has also been used in popular science discourse to capture a phenomenon marked by the inability of young people hooked on TikTok and similar platforms to participate in activities that do not provide instant gratification.
A team of researchers led by M. Darrah searched through several academic databases to obtain relevant studies. A total of 71 studies were qualified. These also represent a total of 980299 participants. A systematic review and meta-analysis of these studies were conducted to examine cognitive and mental health correlates of short-form video engagement.
Outcomes were organized into cognitive and mental health domains to identify consistent patterns across platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook Reels. The combined analysis applied random effects models to unify evidence from correlational and group comparison designs drawn from Asia, Europe, and America.
Key Findings
The researchers identified several consistent patterns across cognitive and mental health outcomes observed among heavy short-form video users. These findings summarize measurable associations involving attention, inhibitory control, stress, anxiety, and compulsive engagement, providing an overview of the effects identified in the combined dataset.
• Cognitive Decline: Higher use correlated with weaker attention and diminished inhibitory control. Average cognitive association measured at r = -0.34 and strongest effects observed for inhibitory control at r = -0.41 and attention at r = -0.38.
• Mental Health Strain: Elevated use showed weaker but meaningful links with stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption. Overall mental health association measured at r = -0.21 and stress and anxiety each recorded near r = -0.34.
• Neutral Self-Perception: There were no significant associations between short-form video use and body image or self-esteem outcomes. Mixed content and diverse representation may buffer against negative appearance-related effects.
• Addictive Risk: Measures indicating compulsive or addictive patterns displayed the strongest negative outcomes across domains, revealing that problematic engagement mattered more than total duration, frequency, or general user status.
Takeaways
The findings point to the fact that rapid-fire content environments may condition users to expect constant novelty that can potentially weaken sustained attention capacities and self-regulation. Mental health impacts appear smaller but remain meaningful, especially when heavy or extended use coincides with stress, anxiety, or a disrupted nighttime sleep pattern.
Moreover, based on the evidence, the users may benefit from balanced digital routines that limit compulsive scrolling and encourage intentional viewing habits. Occasional short-form video use appears harmless, but prolonged compulsive patterns demonstrate associations with weakened attention, heightened emotional strain, and inconsistent sleep behavior.
Note that the study highlights associations rather than causation. The referenced studies relied on cross-sectional designs. Understudied cognitive domains, cultural diversity, and inconsistent measurement tools restrict inference. More longitudinal studies and content-specific evaluations are needed to clarify patterns and identify vulnerable groups.
The results present a nuanced picture of short-form video engagement in daily life. Cognitive links appear moderately strong, mental health links appear weaker, and addictive engagement represents the clearest concern. Balanced digital habits combined with mindful content choices may reduce potential risks or correlated harms while maintaining beneficial entertainment.
FURTHER READING AND REFERENCE
- Nguyen, L., Walters, J., Paul, S., Monreal Ijurco, S., Rainey, G. E., Parekh, N., Blair, G., and Darrah, M. 2025. “Feeds, Feelings, and Focus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Examining the Cognitive and Mental Health Correlates of Short-Form Video Use.” Psychological Bulletin. 151(9): 1125-1146. DOI: 1037/bul0000498