Health · Mental Health · 1 day ago
Psychology Today argues films may be an alternative to heavy short-video use
A Psychology Today article suggests watching a feature film instead of spending hours scrolling through short videos on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
It cites a 2025 review of 71 studies that linked watching short videos for three or more hours a day with problems including compulsive use, poorer mental health and loneliness.
The article says the intensity of engagement may matter more than how often someone watches.
It argues that following one film-length story can offer practice in sustained attention and help viewers consider other perspectives.
Watching films with other people can also create opportunities to connect and discuss what they see.
The article does not describe a policy change or other next step; it recommends trying a feature film as an alternative to excessive short-video viewing.
A Psychology Today article argues that watching a feature film can be an alternative to excessive short-form video use.
It cites a 2025 synthesis of 71 studies that linked at least three hours a day of short-form video engagement with a range of potential harms.
The article says intense engagement with short videos is associated with reduced attention span and poorer mental health, including more depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness and poorer sleep.
It presents films as a way to practise sustained attention, process emotions and encounter new perspectives.
The article says watching films with others can support social connection and provide a chance to discuss and reality-check what is shown.
- Who
- People who engage with short-form video content, and researchers whose findings the article discusses
- What
- An article recommends feature films as an alternative to excessive short-form video use
- When
- Published October 10, 2026; the cited synthesis was from 2025
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- To suggest ways to avoid potential negative effects associated with excessive or intense short-form video engagement
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
a perceived loss of intelligence or critical thinking skills, esp. (in later use) as attributed to the overconsumption of unchallenging or inane content or material
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- Studies in cited synthesis
- 71
- Synthesis year
- 2025
- Daily short-form video use discussed
- Three or more hours
- Article publication date
- October 10, 2026
- Suggested alternative
- A feature film
Sources
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