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Short-Form Content: The Lingering Impact of Brevity

The widespread adoption of short-form content, exemplified by TikTok and YouTube Shorts, offers instant gratification but raises significant concerns about its impact on attention spans, mental health, and societal perspectives. This article explores both the appeal and the drawbacks of these brief videos, urging a collective re-evaluation of consumption habits and advocating for educational and policy-driven solutions to address their long-term effects on individuals and society.

사회_복지 2026-05-03 사회/복지

Walking down the street, one can easily spot a common sight without even looking around: people engrossed in short videos on their screens. Whether in subway cars, cafes, or even at crosswalks, the image of individuals fixated on their smartphones has become an all too familiar part of our daily lives. As of last year, domestic monthly users of short-form content platforms TikTok and YouTube Shorts reportedly reached approximately 10 million and 24 million, respectively. Thanks to the advantage of being easily consumable content, we have, almost unknowingly, found ourselves amidst a flood of these brief and exhilarating videos. But is this familiar scene truly progressing in a positive direction? The popularity of short-form content doesn't stem solely from the inherent appeal of the content itself. What we gain from videos lasting around a minute is 'instant gratification.' According to 'reinforcement theory' in behavioral psychology, a reward given immediately after an action encourages the repetition of that action. Short-form content precisely reflects this principle, as a few clicks unleash a continuous stream of short videos that make us laugh or move us. The problem lies in the impact of this instant gratification, particularly on the mental health and lifestyle of younger generations. According to one study, the short, stimulating content provided by platforms like TikTok reduces our attention span and leads to frustration in situations requiring deeper thought or immersion. This can also be explained neuroscientifically: repetitive short stimuli keep our brains in an overly excited state, which can lead to decreased concentration and anxiety. Furthermore, algorithm-based video recommendation systems, like TikTok's, operate by providing users with more of what they prefer or frequently watch. This can trap users within their existing perspectives, limiting opportunities to encounter societal diversity and new viewpoints. Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett, a columnist for the UK's 'Guardian,' has also criticized the insular nature of pervasive algorithms in her columns. Similar concerns are being raised in South Korea. According to a 2022 survey conducted by Seoul National University, 67% of respondents reported experiencing decreased concentration after watching short-form content. Notably, more than half also felt that 'conversations and interactions in the real world have become insufficient.' This isn't solely a problem for the younger generation. Data from Statistics Korea indicates that short-form content consumption among users in their 50s and 60s is also increasing annually, suggesting that all generations should share this awareness of the issue. Of course, the positive impacts of short-form content cannot be ignored. Thanks to its brief and concise information delivery, we can now access a wider variety of knowledge and cultures than before. It also offers significant opportunities for creators as a platform with low barriers to entry. Stories of individuals gaining fame through creative and unique content are well-known. However, alongside these positive effects are hidden side effects, compelling us to reconsider our consumption patterns for such content. Some argue that this issue should not be solely blamed on short-form content creators or platforms, emphasizing the importance of consumer self-control and responsible use. However, such arguments often struggle to gain traction. The highly addictive nature of short-form content means it's not a problem that can be solved simply by demanding individual effort and restraint. This issue requires not only individual responsibility but also a combined approach involving education and policy. There's no need to demonize short-form content. However, we have reached a point where we must recognize its potential risks and, based on that awareness, seek rational consumption patterns. As readers and content consumers, what choices are we making right now? While pursuing stimulating and instant gratification, are we rapidly losing something important? It's time for deep reflection on how the countless short videos within short-form content ultimately impact our society and individual identities. The next time you scroll through TikTok, consider these questions. What, for you, is truly unforgettable right now?