A recent meta-study conducted by Griffith University in Australia analyzed 71 surveys involving over 98,000 participants, revealing a correlation between the consumption of short-form video content and diminished attention spans. This study suggests that the rapid pace and stimulating nature of such content may lead to a desensitization effect, where users struggle to engage in slower, more cognitively demanding tasks like reading or problem-solving.

Psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of "The Anxious Generation," expressed concerns about the implications of this trend, stating that the decline in attention span may be more significant than previously thought, extending beyond youth mental health issues. A 2024 poll by Common Sense Media found that 51% of young adults aged 18 to 22 believe social media has negatively impacted their ability to focus.

Individuals across various demographics report similar challenges. For instance, a 27-year-old law student noted difficulties in maintaining focus during classes, often feeling compelled to check his phone. He observed that his retired mother spends several hours daily on Facebook, which he believes detracts from her ability to enjoy her post-career life.

Educators are also noticing these trends in their classrooms. A literature teacher in Nashville reported that students struggle to remain still and attentive, while a former history teacher admitted to finding it challenging to read books consistently due to social media distractions.

The researchers at Griffith University concluded that the consumption of short-form videos negatively affects impulse control, further complicating the ability to concentrate on sustained tasks. This phenomenon raises questions about the role of technology in shaping cognitive abilities and the potential long-term effects on society's collective attention and engagement.