Watching videos on Instagram Reels, TikTok, or short videos on YouTube may seem like a harmless way to pass the time, but neuroscientists warn that the effects on the brain may be more alarming and disturbing than we think.
Some studies suggest that short videos cause problems similar to addictive substances like alcohol, while neurologists in India warn of long-term reconfiguration of motivation, concentration and even memory.
The fMRI-based study found that individuals with more pronounced symptoms of "addiction" to short videos - characterized by lower activation in the precuneus, a brain area responsible for reflection and awareness, and more impulsive reactions to risky decision-making (such as potential financial loss).
This indicates a tendency towards strange and impulsive decisions, similar to the behaviors of substance addiction such as alcohol.
FMRI, or functional magnetic resonance imaging, is a neuroimaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.
Studies show that frequent viewing of short videos can reduce self-control and the ability to concentrate and plan long-term.
Impulsive behavior can alter the structure and function of the brain, especially in young people.
Although not toxic like alcohol, this type of consumption can build a psychological dependence with long-term consequences on mental well-being and individual performance.
