ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): A new study by the American Psychological Association has drawn a direct connection between scrolling through short-form videos and the neurocognitive condition widely referred to as “brain rot.”
Researchers claim the issue is no longer just an online meme but a measurable syndrome that affects cognitive performance.
The latest research from the APA evidences that excessive scrolling on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts is linked to negative changes in brain function. In the research titled Feeds, Feelings, and Focus.
In a Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis Examining the Cognitive and Mental Health Correlates of Short-Form Video Use, the researchers have reported that short-form video exposure may hurt attention span and inhibitory control.
The analysis looked at data from 98,299 individuals in 71 different studies. Results from these studies indicate that greater exposure to short-form videos is significantly associated with poorer performance in many key cognitive areas.
In the study, researchers also noted that young adults currently spend an average of 6.5 hours per day consuming online content.
The research explains that constant exposure to rapid, highly stimulating content leads to cognitive habituation. Over time, this makes users less responsive to slower and more mentally demanding activities such as reading, problem-solving, or any form of deep learning.
The researchers say that this pattern of desensitization may undermine the brain’s ability to engage in sustained focus. They emphasize how using short-form video might affect daily behavior, emotional health, and overall well-being.
With short-form video content now a central part of life for millions, the APA stresses the importance of recognizing its possible health effects. The next time you find your attention drifting while scrolling, experts suggest taking a break and interrupting the habit.
