Addressing the impact of YouTube short video addiction on adolescents—a growing public health concern

In the modern digital era, YouTube short video addiction has emerged as a significant behavioural concern, particularly among adolescents. These videos, typically lasting between 1 and 5 min, employ concise, fast-paced, and visually captivating formats that foster prolonged engagement. While their entertainment value is undeniable, their potential to adversely affect psychological and behavioural well-being warrants critical attention.[1]

Excessive use of digital platforms, including YouTube, has been associated with adverse outcomes, such as diminished academic performance, poor social relationships, sleep disturbances, low life satisfaction, and increased levels of anxiety and depression.[1] The YouTube addiction scale highlights key behavioural conflicts, such as reduced physical activity, impaired life management, and a perceived loss of control over video consumption. These findings underscore the necessity of targeted interventions to address unhealthy digital habits.[1]

Globally, the implications of social media use in children have prompted policy responses. For instance, Australia has recently implemented a ban on social media usage for children under 16 years of age, aiming to mitigate its psychological and developmental impacts.[2] This policy sets a precedent for managing the negative consequences of unregulated digital content consumption.

Scientific studies on YouTube and short video addiction, though limited, provide valuable insights into its impact. The first significant research in this domain was conducted in Korea, which examined the immersive characteristics of short videos and their potential to foster addiction.[3] A subsequent study in China explored the relationship between YouTube usage and emotional and behavioural challenges among children.[4] These studies revealed several critical findings: early childhood persistence negatively correlates with subsequent YouTube usage duration, and the age of first exposure inversely correlates with frequency of use. Prolonged use was linked to heightened emotional and behavioural challenges, emphasizing the need for further investigation.

Short video addiction is increasingly recognized as a specific subtype of Internet addiction, distinct from broader social media addiction due to its unique characteristics. The concise, high-intensity nature of short videos promotes immersive viewing experiences, often leading to compulsive behaviours. Among adolescents, this addiction adversely impacts learning motivation, emotional well-being, and overall cognitive functioning.

To address these concerns, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach is essential. Digital well-being workshops and educational campaigns can increase awareness among adolescents and their caregivers. Parents and educators should be equipped with strategies to promote self-regulated use of digital platforms. Policymakers must explore regulations to manage screen time effectively, ensuring early intervention to prevent long-term consequences. Moreover, researchers should prioritize longitudinal studies to examine the interplay between digital content consumption, mental health, and developmental outcomes. Encouraging regular breaks from screens, promoting physical activity, and fostering engagement in offline hobbies are practical strategies to mitigate the effects of excessive YouTube usage.

Given the increasing popularity and potential risks of short video content, it is imperative to develop evidence-based guidelines to inform policy and practice. By fostering a balanced approach to digital consumption, we can better protect the mental and emotional health of adolescents in the digital age.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

Funding Statement

Nil.