Photo Credit: iStock

There is no question that short-form content is addictive, especially for a younger audience that has lots of time available. These Reels, TikToks, and Shorts allow viewers to digest more content in less time and can be extremely entertaining. However, as more and more people gravitate toward bite-sized videos, the question becomes: should short-form content be banned? I, along with many others, believe short-form content should be banned for its addictive nature, impact on neurological health, and the spread of misinformation due to it.

First, the addictive nature of short-form content stems from its ability to deliver instant gratification, providing a quick form of entertainment that triggers the brain to release a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is the “feel-good” chemical, and the endless scroll feature plays towards the release of this chemical, allowing viewers to consume video after video with minimal conscious effort. Additionally, most social media platforms provide content that resonates with viewer interests, enhancing their engagement. This combination of instant rewards and minimal thought makes short-form content especially addictive.

Regular consumption of short-form content forces our brains to reshape how information is processed. The rapid-fire nature and short duration of these videos can lead to shorter attention spans and can be detrimental over the long term, especially when trying to stay focused on a specific activity for extended periods. When your brain is accustomed to consuming one-minute snippets of content, you lose patience for more meaningful experiences. Moreover, continuous overstimulation will cause mental fatigue and make learning new information more difficult.

Furthermore, incomplete or misleading facts in short-form content can lead to misconceptions about matters such as science, history, or law. For example, on 20 August 2022, a short-form was posted on TikTok, claiming that Disney World was battling the Florida government in court to get a resort exemption that allows anyone who’s over 18 to drink on Disney property. The TikTok video garnered millions of views in a matter of days, leading thousands of people to believe it and drink under the legal age. The sheer speed of consumption allows claims to go unchallenged, and facts to go unchecked.

In conclusion, while short-form content may offer quick entertainment, its negative effects on students cannot be ignored. The impact of short-form content on the accuracy of public information, along with its effects on brain health and its addictive nature, all lead to the conclusion that it should be banned. Ultimately, students must be healthy, well-informed, and critical thinkers, even if that means saying no to gratifying short-form content.