Short-form Video Use and Sustained Attention: A Narrative Review (2019-2025)

The explosive growth of TikTok and short-form media has revolutionized the social media habits of Gen Z and Millennials, leading to concerns about attention span in these user demographics. This narrative review covers literature published between 2019 and 2025, investigates the association between short-form video use and perception. Studies have shown that heavy use of TikTok and similar short-form media is associated with shorter attention spans, poorer academic performance and abnormal white matter in the brain linked to behavioral control, raising questions about excessive use and addiction. Young users seemingly of all ages, including perhaps in particular younger ones, may be especially susceptible to attention impairment as their brains continue to develop. Although current research methods have their limitations, the evidence suggests that frequent short-video use is associated with poorer cognitive functioning. Intervention in the form of education and clinical management is advocated for these areas and the need born from increase risk taking behaviour requiring further longitudinal investigations, research investigating long term consequences.