Short-Form Video Addiction and Cognitive Functioning: A Comparative Study of Attention Span, Creativity, and Problem Solving Ability among Adolescents and Adults

The rapid proliferation of short-form video (SFV) platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts has raised concerns regarding their addictive potential and possible cognitive consequences. Emerging research suggests excessive engagement with algorithm-driven, high-stimulation content may influence attentional regulation and executive functioning. This study examined the relationship between short-form video addiction and cognitive functioning – specifically attention span, creativity, and problem-solving ability –among adolescents and adults. It also investigated age-group differences in addiction severity and cognitive outcomes. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed. The sample comprised 352 participants (178 adolescents aged 13–18 years; 174 adults aged 25–40 years) recruited through stratified random sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests, Pearson correlation, multiple regression analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Adolescents reported significantly higher levels of short-form video addiction than adults (p < 0.001). Addiction was negatively correlated with attention span (r = − 0.62), problem-solving ability (r = − 0.55), and moderately with creativity (r = − 0.29). SEM results indicated that addiction significantly predicted lower attention (β = − 0.61), problem-solving (β = − 0.53), and creativity (β = − 0.24). The results of the study suggests that short-form video addiction is related with diminished cognitive functioning, particularly attention control and executive processes. Developmentally, adolescents appear more vulnerable. The study contributes to digital addiction literature and highlights implications for educational and mental health interventions.