New Study: Excessive Watching of Short Videos May Reduce Focus

A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that intensive use of short videos on mobile phones may be associated with decreased activity in areas of the frontal lobe, which is responsible for attention regulation, executive control, and decision-making.

Study Details

The study included 48 young adults with an average age of 21 years, and participants underwent attention measurement tests, along with brain activity recording using electroencephalography (EEG). Researchers also assessed the tendency towards "short video addiction" and found a negative relationship between the intensive use of these videos and the level of neural activity in the prefrontal cortex.

Results and Interpretation

The data showed that as the rate of short video usage increased, indicators of activity related to focus and self-control decreased, with a noted decline in some attention measures among the most frequent users.
Despite these findings, researchers emphasized that the study shows a correlation rather than a direct causal relationship, meaning it does not prove that short videos "cause" decreased focus, but rather indicates a tendency among heavy users to record lower indicators in some attention functions. Additionally, the sample size was limited and the age group narrow, necessitating broader studies to confirm the results.

Why Is the Brain Affected?

Researchers believe that continuous exposure to fast-paced content may condition the brain to frequent and rapid stimulation, making tasks that require prolonged focus or sustained cognitive effort more challenging. The frontal lobe, responsible for planning and decision-making, is typically affected by activities that require ongoing cognitive effort, and thus getting accustomed to fast and fragmented content may reduce the brain's capacity for long-term mental endurance.

Tips for Maintaining Attention

The results do not necessitate a complete abstention from short videos, but they highlight the importance of moderation. Researchers recommend balancing short video usage with activities that enhance focus, such as reading, deep learning, and practicing digital time management skills to maintain attention health.