Impact Of Short Form Videos on Attention Span Mediated by Sleep Quality and Stress

Abstract

This research examines the association between addiction to short-form video and attention span among young adults (18–25 years) with stress and sleep quality as possible mediators. Adopting a quantitative survey approach, responses were obtained from 350 participants using structured measures of short-form video addiction, attention span, stress level, and sleep quality. Findings indicated a moderate negative correlation between short-form video addiction and attention span (Spearman's rho = -0.295, p < .001), suggesting that frequent high exposure to rapid media is related to lower attentional ability. Mediation analysis demonstrated stress partially mediates this process (14.7%) however sleep quality does not. The results are consistent with Cognitive Load Theory, proposing cognitive overload from brief-form video viewing affects working memory and attention, and Hebb's Arousal Theory, correlating high arousal from such media with cognitive deterioration. This research highlights the cognitive consequences of digital media, calling for digital literacy programs and healthier media use to protect attention span. Limitations are self-reported data, response bias, and restricted generalizability. Future studies need to examine other mediators and interventions to reduce the cognitive effects of short-form videos.