A recent review published in Psychological Bulletin brings a clearer picture of how short video habits relate to attention and mood. The paper pulls together results from 71 studies and nearly one hundred thousand participants, making it one of the largest examinations of TikTok, Reels, and similar short-video formats so far.
The researchers found a moderate link between heavier short video use and weaker cognitive performance. Attention and inhibitory control showed the sharpest drops, with correlations reaching roughly the high thirties on the negative side. These patterns appeared across age groups.
Mental health outcomes also showed a smaller but meaningful negative association. The strongest links were seen in anxiety and stress. Sleep quality, loneliness, and overall well-being also showed mild negative relationships. The pooled results did not show a connection with body image or general self-esteem, which pushes back on a common assumption that short video apps consistently worsen those measures.
The review notes that how usage is measured matters. Studies that looked at problematic or addiction-style behavior found stronger negative links than studies that measured simple viewing time. That suggests compulsive patterns may carry more risk than casual use.
The authors also point out a major limitation. Most of the underlying studies were cross-sectional, which means the data capture a snapshot. Heavier viewing could contribute to attention problems, but it is also possible that people who already struggle with focus turn to quick, low-effort content. More long-term and experimental work will be needed to sort the direction of these effects.
Even so, the combined evidence provides a clearer baseline. Short videos are widely used for entertainment and learning, but the review shows consistent associations between heavier engagement and issues tied to attention, mood, and stress. The authors encourage future work on healthier engagement patterns and practical guidance that helps people manage their habits without overreacting to the technology itself.
Notes: This post was drafted with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed, edited, and published by humans. Image: DIW-Aigen
Read next: Global App Trends October 2025: Revenue Leaders, Download Shifts, and the AI Apps Pushing New Records
The researchers found a moderate link between heavier short video use and weaker cognitive performance. Attention and inhibitory control showed the sharpest drops, with correlations reaching roughly the high thirties on the negative side. These patterns appeared across age groups.
Mental health outcomes also showed a smaller but meaningful negative association. The strongest links were seen in anxiety and stress. Sleep quality, loneliness, and overall well-being also showed mild negative relationships. The pooled results did not show a connection with body image or general self-esteem, which pushes back on a common assumption that short video apps consistently worsen those measures.
The review notes that how usage is measured matters. Studies that looked at problematic or addiction-style behavior found stronger negative links than studies that measured simple viewing time. That suggests compulsive patterns may carry more risk than casual use.
The authors also point out a major limitation. Most of the underlying studies were cross-sectional, which means the data capture a snapshot. Heavier viewing could contribute to attention problems, but it is also possible that people who already struggle with focus turn to quick, low-effort content. More long-term and experimental work will be needed to sort the direction of these effects.
Even so, the combined evidence provides a clearer baseline. Short videos are widely used for entertainment and learning, but the review shows consistent associations between heavier engagement and issues tied to attention, mood, and stress. The authors encourage future work on healthier engagement patterns and practical guidance that helps people manage their habits without overreacting to the technology itself.
Notes: This post was drafted with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed, edited, and published by humans. Image: DIW-Aigen
Read next: Global App Trends October 2025: Revenue Leaders, Download Shifts, and the AI Apps Pushing New Records
