Recent research published in NeuroImage has shed light on how compulsive use of short video platforms, such as TikTok, might affect the brain. The study found that individuals with higher levels of short video addiction displayed increased brain activity in regions linked to emotional regulation and reward processing. Moreover, these users showed structural differences in areas such as the orbitofrontal cortex and cerebellum.
[…]
Short video addiction is characterized by the compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of brief, personalized video content. This behavioral pattern has been linked to negative physical, psychological, and social outcomes, including disrupted sleep patterns, emotional dysregulation, and impairments in attention and memory. The fast-paced, highly stimulating nature of short videos may contribute to a reduced attention span and hinder the brain’s ability to focus on more demanding or meaningful tasks, intensifying concerns about their long-term effects on users’ cognitive and emotional health
While the behavioral consequences of short video addiction are increasingly recognized, the underlying neural and biological mechanisms remain poorly understood. To address this gap, researchers from Tianjin Normal University in China conducted a pioneering study. Their goal was to investigate how short video addiction might reshape the brain and to identify specific genes that could influence susceptibility to this behavioral pattern.
[…]
The researchers observed structural and functional differences in the brains of individuals with higher levels of short video addiction. Structurally, these individuals exhibited increased gray matter volume in the orbitofrontal cortex and cerebellum. a region involved in reward processing, decision-making, and emotional regulation. The increased volume in this area suggests heightened sensitivity to the rewards provided by personalized short video content, potentially reinforcing compulsive viewing behavior. Similarly, changes in the cerebellum, traditionally associated with motor control but increasingly recognized for its role in cognitive and emotional processing, were linked to the sensory-rich, dynamic nature of short videos.
Wait, so now we have actual evidence that brain rot isn’t just a colloquial expression associated with the “good old days” fallacy?
For ages, people have been talking about the detrimental effects of rock music, TV, TTRPGs, internet and everything modern, but I haven’t really seen any proper evidence to support these claims. Maybe this time it’s different.
I doubt it. Maybe there are differences, but there’s zero chance we have anything close to enough data that could draw correlations to negative effects. This is China, if not intentionally crafting data, then definitely broadcasting data that reinforces the cultural narrative they’ve already set. If the finding were to prove contrary to their brain rot position, I doubt they’d be broadcasting.
Just cuz a brain might work different doesn’t mean it’s bad. It took morning people, evening people, and nights watch people to keep us alive for the past millenni’i, why do morning people have a favored position in society? It’s bullshit and fucked up if you ask me. There’s medical evidence of sleep types, why can’t we use that to force a schedule change? Bring back night court, fuck.
I assume ADHD brains are different from neuroboring ones too, and as an ADHD brained individual I don’t consider it a disability, or a defect or detriment. I have traits I have learned to accommodate and traits I actively protect myself from, and they might not be neurotypical ons, the most common thousand or so nuerotypical problems, I dont have. And I think that life without endless curiosity with the ability to singularly deep dive any topic for essentially forever just wouldn’t be an existence worth living. I honestly feel I can do whatever it is I set myself too, regardless the complexity. I can’t imagine the world seen from despondent resignation.
Ive pondered more than once if I would be better off without the ADHD hyper sensitive sense of justice. I’ve said for years that I started this life off as lawful good and life’s caused me to slide all the way down to chaotic neutral.
What came first, the brain differences or the short videos? Does cancer cause cellphones?
