The Impact of Short-Form Video Use on Cognitive and Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Background: Short-form video (SFV) platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts dominate digital engagement, especially among Generation Z. Their rapid, algorithm-driven, and emotionally charged design raises unique concerns about potential impacts on cognitive functions and mental health. Despite growing public discourse, evidence remains fragmented. Methods: We conducted a systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines. Eight databases (2014-2024) were searched, including PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL. Eligible studies investigated the effects of SFV use on cognitive mechanisms (e.g., attention, executive function, memory, emotional regulation) and mental health outcomes among adults aged 18-29. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, and the findings were narratively synthesised. Results: Of 519,101 initial records, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. High-frequency SFV use was consistently associated with attentional disruption, reduced executive functioning, and emotional dysregulation. Several studies reported increased anxiety and compulsive use, though findings were heterogeneous. Self-regulatory capacity emerged as a potential moderator. However, evidence was limited by a reliance on cross-sectional designs, self-report measures, and inconsistent operationalisation of cognitive outcomes. Conclusion: SFV use may adversely affect cognitive control and emotional regulation in Generation Z, contributing to heightened risks for anxiety and compulsive behaviours. Given methodological limitations in the current literature, further longitudinal and experimental research is urgently needed. A qualitative follow-up study will explore users' lived experiences, informing the development of a tailored assessment tool. These findings hold implications for digital psychiatry, public health guidance, and intervention design in young adult populations. Keywords: short-form video, attention, executive function, mental health, Generation Z, systematic review