In recent years, short videos – such as those of Tiktok, Instagram Reels And YouTube Shorts – They have become part of the daily life of millions of people. Their reduced duration and the infinite sequence of content makes them irresistible. But new research in the neuroscientific field warn: the excessive use of these formats could damage cognitive functions significantly, in some cases with effects on attention, memory and control of the most marked impulses than those observed in those who consume alcohol in moderate quantities.
How short videos modify the brain and the perception of gratifications
These contents are designed to stimulate the system of reward. Each “Swipe” gives a discharge of dopamine, the molecule associated with pleasure and motivation. The result is a constant brain training to seek immediate stimuli, reducing tolerance towards activities that require patience or prolonged attention.
A study published on Neuroimage he detected in the great consumers of short videos structural alterations In brain areas such as the orbitofrontal cortex and the cerebellum, both involved in the regulation of emotions and in the reward system. A greater activity was also found in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which regulates complex cognitive functions, a sign of a constant loading load.
The “perspective memory” at risk and the “Brain Rot” effect
Experimental research has shown that watching short videos can compromise the perspective memory – the ability to remember to complete a planned action – more than other forms of entertainment or simple inactivity. In practice, it can become more difficult to remember to carry out programmed tasks, even in the short term.
At the same time, the nicknamed phenomenon emerged “Brain Rot”a deterioration of cognitive functions associated with continuous consumption of passive digital content. Psychologists and researchers describe it as a condition similar to “Popcorn Brain”in which the mind gets used to fast and fragmented stimuli, making it tiring to focus on slow activities, such as reading a book or dealing with a long conversation.
A comparable – but different – alcohol effect
Alcohol damages the brain through physical toxicity and progressive structural alterations. Short videos, on the other hand, act in a more subtle way: there is no toxicity, but neurological conditioning. Over time, the activities that offer slow gratifications – study, work on a complex project, to do sports without distractions – can be less stimulating and even boring.
A study conducted between university students highlighted that short video dependence is linked to greater academic procrastination It is a reduced ability to control attention, especially in subjects with a tendency to boredom.
