study 2025: Can Scrolling on Social Media Lead to “Brain Rot”?
New research published by the American Psychological Association (APA) suggests a link between frequent consumption of short-form video content and diminished cognitive function. The study,analyzing data from 98,299 participants across 71 different studies,investigated the impact of platforms like Instagram Reels,TikTok,and YouTube shorts on both cognition and mental health.
The analysis revealed a correlation between increased scrolling and poorer cognitive performance. Specifically, participants who consumed more short-form video demonstrated decreases in attention span, memory performance, and impulse control – skills crucial for maintaining focus. While the research doesn’t definitively prove “brainrot” (internet slang for a state of mental dullness), a clear pattern emerged: the more you scroll, the harder it becomes to concentrate.
Beyond cognitive effects, the study also found increased instances of stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and mood swings among heavy social media users. however,these mental health consequences were generally less pronounced than the observed cognitive declines.
interestingly, the research did not find a significant impact on self-esteem and body image, despite the common tendency for social media to encourage comparison with influencers. Researchers note that further investigation is needed to understand how content specifically influences self-perception.
The full study is available from the APA: https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2026-89350-001.pdf
