Groundbreaking Research Reveals Short-Form Video's Impact on Brain and Cognition: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis by Griffith University

Over the past decade, short-form video has emerged as the most influential digital medium globally. Platforms such as TikTok, Douyin, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels have not only transformed information dissemination but also reshaped leisure, social interaction, and thought patterns. Each swipe offers new stimulation, and every algorithmic recommendation acts as a 'precise pleasure delivery.' However, as this 'pleasure' becomes routine, questions arise about the potential costs to our brain and mental health. A groundbreaking study from the Department of Psychology at Griffith University in Australia offers the most comprehensive and systematic answers.

Typical characteristics of short-form videos include: high-speed visual stimulation, with content usually lasting between 15 seconds and 2 minutes; infinite scrolling and algorithmic recommendations, creating an 'inexhaustible content stream'; a highly predictable reward mechanism, where each swipe can trigger new visual or emotional stimuli; and personalized pushes, with algorithms precisely learning user interests. These design elements enhance platform appeal while also forming a typical 'addictive design architecture.' Researchers are now questioning whether this continuous, fast-paced, short-duration, high-stimulation information consumption is subtly altering human attention mechanisms, cognitive control, and emotional regulation capabilities.

Griffith University's research team conducted a large-scale scientific integration study, comprising:
* 71 studies
* 98,299 participants
* Analysis of the relationship between short-form video use and 'cognition' and 'mental health'
* Categorized as a systematic review & meta-analysis
* Published in 'Psychological Bulletin,' a top global psychology journal (under APA).

**Research Objective:** To clarify the true relationship between short-form video use and cognition and mental health. While numerous studies have explored the link between short-form video and mental health, results have been inconsistent. Some studies indicate that high-frequency short-form video use is associated with decreased attention, anxiety, and depression. Others suggest that moderate use can foster social connection and emotional expression, while some find no significant relationship. Therefore, Nguyen et al. (2025) undertook a large-scale systematic review and meta-analysis to integrate existing evidence and assess the true, statistically significant relationship between short-form video use and cognitive function and mental health.

**Research Methodology:** To ensure reliable conclusions, the study employed a Random-effects Model, uniformly expressing the relationship between short-form video use and cognitive/mental health variables using the correlation coefficient 'r'. Additionally, Egger’s regression and the Trim-and-Fill method were used to detect publication bias; Q-test and I² index assessed inter-study heterogeneity; and multiple sensitivity analyses verified result robustness. This was not merely a 'literature summary' but a high-quality evidence integration study adhering to strict statistical standards.

This study systematically integrated 71 empirical studies (total sample size 98,299 people) to analyze the correlation between short-form video use and cognitive function and mental health using a random-effects model.

**Study Scope and Demographics:**
* **Research Regions:** Asia (74%), North America (11%), Europe (11%), other regions (4%).
* **Study Design:** Primarily cross-sectional studies (87%), with fewer experimental/longitudinal studies.
* **Platforms Covered:** TikTok, Douyin, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Snapchat Spotlight, Bilibili, etc.
* **Indicator Types:** Short-form video use (frequency, duration, addiction level); cognitive indicators (attention, inhibitory control, memory, reasoning, etc.); mental health indicators (anxiety, depression, stress, sleep quality, self-esteem, well-being, etc.).

**Overall Conclusions Overview:**

**Main Finding (I): Relationship between Short-Form Video and Cognitive Function**

1. **Overall Results:** High-frequency short-form video stimulation habituates the brain to fast-paced content. When faced with 'slow-paced tasks' (reading, studying), the brain is easily distracted. At the neural level, activation of the prefrontal cortex and attention networks decreases. The brain's 'dopamine reward system' is repeatedly triggered, reinforcing an 'instant gratification' mode. Long-term effects include shortened attention span, decreased patience, and reduced depth of thought.

2. **Explanation and Theoretical Support:**
* **(1) Habituation & Sensitization Theory (Groves & Thompson, 1970):** High-frequency, fast-paced stimulation leads to 'habituation,' where the brain becomes desensitized to slow-paced tasks (reading, studying). Simultaneously, 'sensitization' occurs, making individuals more sensitive to short-term stimuli and immediate feedback, leading to dependence.
* **(2) Reinforcement of the Dopamine Reward Pathway:** The algorithmic recommendation of short-form videos is essentially a 'dopamine-driven immediate reward system.' High-frequency stimulation reinforces 'instant gratification' while weakening the ability for delayed gratification. This places a long-term load on attention networks and prefrontal regulatory areas (especially the PFC).
* **(3) Neural Evidence:** Some EEG and neuroimaging studies have found that high-frequency short-form video users exhibit reduced P300 amplitude during attention tasks, demonstrating weaker cognitive control and inhibitory functions. Long-term use may lead to functional imbalance in the prefrontal-striatal pathway (reward–control circuit).