Short videos are as bad for the brain as alcohol – study

Scientists from Tianjin Normal University have found that excessive exposure to short videos on TikTok and Instagram not only provides relaxation but also negatively affects brain function. The study was published in the journal NeuroImage.

Researchers discovered that people who actively watch short videos have a stronger “reward” system in the brain – the same neural circuits activated by alcohol consumption or gambling. This alters the connections in the cells responsible for impulsivity, attention, and emotional regulation. In other words, the brain becomes “oversaturated with dopamine” and begins to respond less to simple sources of pleasure.

As a result, activities such as reading a book, having dinner, or talking to people may seem less appealing than watching short videos. This mechanism is similar to addiction, where increasingly strong stimuli are required to achieve satisfaction.

The prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making and attention, is particularly affected. The constant flow of fast, bright stimuli prevents a person from focusing on tasks, remembering information, and controlling impulses. Neurobiologists note that such changes resemble the cognitive impairment observed after excessive alcohol consumption.

Researchers emphasize the dangers of watching TikTok or Instagram Reels at night. The bright screen light and emotionally intense content disrupt the circadian rhythm (the body’s natural 24-hour cycle), reduce melatonin production, and prevent the body from entering deep sleep. This affects the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning. As a result, a person absorbs new information less effectively and feels mentally “foggy” in the morning, even after sufficient sleep.

Experts advise using these platforms wisely, including limiting screen time, taking regular breaks, and diversifying online activity. Such digital “hygiene” helps users enjoy entertainment without sacrificing mental clarity and brain health.

It should be noted that earlier reports indicated that communication with artificial intelligence-based chatbots, such as ChatGPT, had led to severe distortions in the perception of reality among some users.