Study Proves TikTok Scrolling is Damaging Your Brain

ISLAMABAD: A new study by the American Psychological Association (APA) has drawn a direct connection between short-form video scrolling and a neurocognitive condition widely referred to as “brain rot.” Researchers say the issue is no longer just an online meme but a measurable syndrome affecting cognitive performance.

The APA’s latest research warns that excessive scrolling on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts is linked to negative changes in brain function. The study, titled Feeds, Feelings, and Focus: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis Examining the Cognitive and Mental Health Correlates of Short-Form Video Use, concludes that short-form video (SFV) consumption can harm attention span and inhibitory control.

The analysis examined data from 98,299 people across 71 separate studies. Findings show that higher exposure to short-form videos is consistently linked with weaker performance in key cognitive areas. Researchers also reported that young adults now spend an average of 6.5 hours per day consuming online content.

According to the researchers, this pattern of desensitization may undermine the brain’s ability to engage in sustained focus. They emphasize the broader implications of short-form video use on daily behavior, emotional health, and overall well-being.

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With short-form video content now a central part of life for millions, the APA stresses the importance of recognizing its potential health effects. The next time you find your attention drifting while scrolling, experts suggest taking a break and interrupting the habit.