Short Videos Pose Serious Mental Health Risks for Youth, Experts Warn

Islamabad (Qudrat Daily): Short-form videos on social media, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes, have become more than just entertainment—they are now a central part of daily digital life for young people. Features like autoplay, infinite scrolling, and algorithm-driven content keep viewers engaged, often erasing their sense of time and encouraging continuous watching.

Psychologists and medical experts have raised concerns about the potential harm of these videos on young minds. A recent comprehensive review published in *Psychology Today*, analyzing 70 studies, highlights significant negative effects on mental health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

**Key Risks Identified:**

* Increased **depression, stress, anxiety**, and negative mood.
* Feelings of **loneliness** and deterioration in overall mental health.
* Compulsive or uncontrollable use and **sleep disturbances**.
* Reduced ability to maintain **long attention spans, patience, and focus on complex tasks**, crucial for academic and professional success.

Dr. Gary Goldfield noted that these effects are especially pronounced when video consumption becomes emotional or difficult to control. The fast-paced, constantly changing content continuously stimulates the brain, leading to what some researchers call the **“Digital Stress Hypothesis.”**

Excessive screen time also displaces healthy activities such as physical exercise, spending time with family and friends, connecting with nature, and pursuing personal hobbies, all of which are vital for mental and emotional development.

**Recommended Measures:**
Experts urge social media platforms to redesign algorithms and content delivery to ensure **balanced use**, prioritizing youth mental and cognitive health. While short videos offer instant enjoyment, the question remains whether these fleeting pleasures come at the cost of **future attention span, focus, and inner calm.**