
Watching endless short videos can negatively affect mental health, according to a study by Chinese researchers.
They also found that individuals prone to feelings of envy are more likely to develop an addiction to short-form video content.China’s version of TikTok is among the most popular apps for consuming short videos. Researchers from Tianjin University investigated how this type of content impacts brain function.
The study, cited by Swiss publication Blick, reveals that excessive exposure to short videos alters brain activity.
The research involved 111 students aged 17 to 30, who underwent MRI scans — a highly effective tool for visualizing soft tissues and organs, including the brain.
Scientists analyzed the structure and activity of different brain regions. To assess participants’ potential addiction to short videos, they were asked to complete a standardized questionnaire.