TikTok and other short-form video apps have swept across the globe, transforming how young people spend their time and engage with digital content.

It’s quick, it’s addictive, and it’s everywhere. On the surface, these snappy videos seem harmless, even fun. Dive a little deeper, though, and serious questions begin to emerge about what this rapid-fire entertainment is doing to our ability to focus.

A newly published review in the International Journal of Community Empowerment & Society Administration takes on this very issue. The research is clear-eyed, thorough, and timely.

Scientists scoured recent studies on TikTok and similar platforms, analysing their effects on attention span, academic performance, and even the structure of our brains. The findings are both illuminating and unsettling, particularly for parents, teachers, and anyone concerned about cognitive health in the digital age.

Let’s begin with the scale of the phenomenon. TikTok is not just popular; it has become a defining part of youth culture. By early 2024, nearly 1.6 to 1.9 billion monthly active users (MAUs) were using the app every month. In Malaysia, there is over 28 million users aged 18 and above as of early 2024. Usage rates among those aged 18–29 have soared, with as much as 85% of this demographic scrolling through short videos daily.

The figures are staggering. It’s not only TikTok. Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and other bite-sized formats are all part of a growing digital diet for young people.

Researchers from multiple institutions investigated what happens when such vast numbers spend hours each day consuming content that rarely lasts longer than a minute. The review covered studies from 2019 to 2025, offering a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge. Fourteen key studies made the final cut after a rigorous selection process.

The results? Frequent users of short-form media consistently show signs of reduced attention span. Young people who spend more time on TikTok are not just distracted during lessons or homework; they struggle to concentrate even during routine tasks.

One study cited in the review found that heavy users reported difficulties staying focused and finishing assignments. Teachers have noticed the shift too—many describe classrooms where students now need frequent breaks and stimulation just to stay engaged.

Why is this happening? Scientists believe it’s partly down to how short-form video platforms are designed. TikTok, for instance, serves up a never-ending stream of dopamine hits. Each swipe brings a new video—unpredictable, fresh, rewarding. This constant novelty triggers pleasure centres in the brain and conditions users to expect immediate gratification. The more you watch, the more your brain craves that next burst of excitement.

It’s a digital slot machine, experts say. Every video is a possible win—funny, shocking, or heartwarming—but always fleeting.

Over time, this cycle trains the mind to seek rapid rewards and become less tolerant of activities that require patience or deep engagement, such as reading or studying.

The review refers to this phenomenon as “TikTok Brain.” It’s not a clinical diagnosis but rather a shorthand for the pattern of behaviour seen in heavy users: distractibility, impulsivity, difficulty focusing on longer tasks, and a preference for instant feedback.

Academic consequences are significant. Students who use TikTok heavily tend to have lower grades. In one study highlighted by the journal, university students who spent more time watching short videos had lower GPAs compared to their peers. Even after accounting for study habits and time spent on coursework, the link remained strong.

Short-form media doesn’t just distract; it appears to undermine sustained concentration needed for effective learning.

Procrastination is another problem. The lure of endless scrolling makes it easy to put off assignments or chores. Several studies found that students who described themselves as “addicted” to short-form videos were much more likely to leave tasks until the last minute or fail to complete them altogether.

Most concerning of all may be the evidence pointing towards changes in brain structure and function among heavy users. Early neuroimaging research suggests that frequent exposure to rapid-fire videos can alter reward-related regions in the brain.

In some cases, scientists observed increased activity in areas linked with instant gratification as well as reduced function in those responsible for self-control and sustained attention.

The pattern resembles what is seen in addiction—repeated stimulation leads to brain adaptation. The review notes that these changes may be temporary or reversible but cautions that more long-term studies are needed. At present, most research is cross-sectional and relies on self-reported data.

Not all findings are negative. Used thoughtfully and for educational purposes, short-form videos can boost engagement in educational settings. Some teachers have successfully incorporated brief clips into lessons to spark interest before tackling more complex material. When balanced with deeper learning activities, these formats may help students remember key facts or concepts.

Still, experts urge caution. The evidence so far suggests that overuse of TikTok-style content can fragment attention and make it harder for young people to engage with tasks requiring sustained focus. This matters not just for school but for everyday life: jobs, relationships, hobbies—all depend on our ability to pay attention over time.

Parents may notice that their children are more restless or easily bored when asked to do things that don’t offer immediate rewards. Teachers report that traditional lectures or extended reading assignments are losing their power as students grow accustomed to constant stimulation from devices.

Mental health professionals face new challenges too. The symptoms seen in heavy short-form video users—distractibility, trouble completing tasks—can resemble those found in conditions like ADHD. Clinicians must distinguish between technology-induced difficulties and underlying neurodevelopmental disorders.

Some experts recommend digital detoxes or structured breaks from screens combined with exercises designed to rebuild attention capacity. There is hope that with mindful intervention, young people can regain lost focus and learn to balance fast-paced entertainment with activities requiring deeper engagement.

What about individual differences? Not everyone reacts the same way to TikTok or similar platforms. Studies suggest that those with pre-existing tendencies towards addiction are more vulnerable to attention deficits. Conversely, individuals who engage in varied leisure activities or possess strong self-regulation skills seem better protected.

Limitations remain. Most existing studies focus on teenagers or young adults; there’s less known about effects on children or older adults. Self-reporting introduces bias; people may underestimate their usage or its impact. Platforms themselves change rapidly—today’s algorithms won’t be tomorrow’s.

One thing is certain: our digital habits are evolving at breakneck speed, and so too are the ways they shape our minds. The findings reported should serve as both a wake-up call and a guidepost for anyone navigating this new terrain.

For families trying to set boundaries at home, awareness matters as much as rules. Device-free periods during meals or study time can help restore balance but must be part of broader conversations about healthy digital habits.

Schools face decisions about adapting teaching methods versus working to rebuild students’ capacity for focused learning. Some institutions now experiment with micro-learning—breaking lessons into smaller bites—but risk reinforcing the fragmented attention patterns already present.

Mental health professionals need new tools for assessment and intervention tailored to technology-induced problems.

So what does all this mean for everyday life? If you’re a parent noticing your child struggles with homework after an evening spent scrolling through TikTok—there’s research backing your concerns. If you’re an educator wondering why your students seem less able to concentrate—look no further than their digital routines.

Balance is key. Enjoyment of short videos need not come at the price of cognitive health if managed wisely. But without thoughtful limits and active engagement from adults, the risks are real: shrinking attention spans may hinder not only academic achievement but also future success at work and in relationships.

In today’s world where entertainment is always just a swipe away, understanding—and managing—the effects of short-form video platforms has never been more relevant. This isn’t simply a matter of personal discipline; it’s about building habits that will shape our capacity for attention across an entire lifetime.

The conversation is far from finished. As more evidence emerges and digital platforms continue to evolve, society will need to adapt—finding ways to harness the benefits of these innovations while guarding against unintended consequences.

TikTok-style entertainment has changed how we interact with information and each other. Science is beginning to reveal what this means for our brains, our learning, and our well-being. The challenge now is not only recognising these changes but acting on them—for ourselves and for future generations.