Brain Rot from Short Videos Is Now a Scientific Fact: APA Study

The popular concept of “brain rot” — the cognitive decline caused by endless scrolling — has now been scientifically confirmed. Researchers from the American Psychological Association (APA) conducted a large-scale meta-analysis covering 71 studies and nearly 100,000 participants. The results showed that short-video algorithms alter the way neural connections work.

How Short-Video Algorithms Affect the Brain

According to the researchers’ findings, regular consumption of short-form content leads to three main changes:

• Impaired inhibitory control: The brain loses its ability to stop in time. People lose track of time, planning to watch one video but spending hours scrolling.
• Reduced attention span: Rapid scene changes and easy access to “cheap” dopamine diminish the ability to maintain focus. Afterward, reading, studying, and complex work tasks are perceived by the brain as boring.
• Increased anxiety and burnout: An overload of negative information and constant comparison with others’ achievements lead to emotional burnout, insomnia, and higher anxiety levels.

The strongest impact of algorithms is on teenagers and young adults, whose nervous systems are still developing.

Ways to Restore Concentration

To reduce digital dependence and regain control over attention, three practical steps are suggested:

1. Switch to black-and-white mode: Enabling the “grayscale” mode in smartphone settings reduces the visual appeal of social media interfaces.
2. Keep the smartphone out of the bedroom: Replacing the phone with a regular alarm clock helps prevent scrolling before sleep and immediately after waking up.
3. Set up a “home parking spot” for your device: Leaving the phone on a dedicated shelf when entering the house helps avoid carrying it around from room to room.