Emotional processing difficulties linked to short video addiction risk

The pull of short-form video platforms has become nearly unavoidable, especially for younger users navigating academic pressure, social expectations, and constant digital connectivity. A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that the risk of developing short video addiction may depend less on the content itself and more on how individuals process emotions.

Researchers surveyed 342 university students in China, aged between 18 and 22, to examine how psychological traits influence excessive short video consumption. The study focused on short video addiction, defined as a maladaptive pattern where individuals struggle to regulate their viewing habits, often at the expense of daily functioning and well-being.

The findings indicate that individuals who have difficulty identifying and expressing emotions, a condition known as alexithymia, are more likely to rely on short videos as a coping mechanism. According to the study, this emotional disconnect can drive people toward external distractions that offer quick relief or stimulation.

Haodong Su, a lecturer at Anhui Science and Technology University and the study’s lead author, said higher levels of attachment anxiety were consistently linked with increased vulnerability to short video addiction. Attachment anxiety refers to a fear of abandonment or insecurity in relationships, often rooted in early life experiences.

“Individuals with more severe alexithymia symptoms showed significantly higher levels of short video addiction,” Su said in the study, noting that emotional avoidance can push users toward digital escape.

How attention and anxiety shape digital habits

The research identified two key psychological pathways that help explain why some individuals are more prone to compulsive short video use: attentional control and emotional awareness.

Attentional control refers to the ability to focus on relevant tasks while ignoring distractions. The study found that individuals with higher attachment anxiety often exhibit weaker attentional control, making it harder to disengage from endlessly scrolling content.

At the same time, those with higher levels of attachment anxiety were more likely to display alexithymic traits, further limiting their ability to process internal emotional states. When both mechanisms are compromised, users may increasingly depend on short videos to regulate mood or distract from discomfort.

The study suggests that this combination creates a feedback loop. Reduced attention control can intensify emotional confusion, while emotional confusion drives greater reliance on short-form content. Over time, this pattern can develop into habitual or compulsive use.

Previous psychological research has similarly found that individuals experiencing emotional distress or uncertainty often seek external stimuli to stabilize mood. Short videos, with their rapid pace and high reward value, provide an easily accessible outlet.

Training attention may reduce addiction risk

While the study highlights vulnerabilities, it also points to potential protective factors. Strong attentional control appears to reduce the likelihood of developing addictive viewing patterns, even among individuals experiencing emotional difficulties.

“Young people who are better able to regulate and sustain their attention are less likely to develop addictive patterns of short video use,” Su said.

The findings suggest that improving focus and emotional awareness may be more effective than simply limiting screen time. Strategies such as mindfulness training, reducing multitasking, and scheduling periods of focused activity were identified as practical ways to strengthen attentional control.

Small behavioral changes can also play a role. Setting time limits for app usage, creating phone-free routines, and developing habits that encourage emotional reflection may help users regain control over their consumption patterns.

Importantly, the study emphasizes that attentional control is not a fixed trait. With consistent practice, individuals can improve their ability to manage distractions and regulate attention, potentially lowering the risk of addiction.

Study limitations and need for further research

The researchers caution that their findings are based on self-reported data, which may introduce bias. Participants’ responses about their behavior and emotional states could be influenced by perception or recall errors.

The study also used a cross-sectional design, capturing a single point in time. As a result, the findings establish associations but do not confirm direct cause-and-effect relationships between psychological traits and short video addiction.

Another limitation is the sample composition. Around 72 percent of participants were male, raising questions about whether the results apply equally across genders. Since attachment anxiety and attentional control can vary by gender, future studies with more balanced samples will be needed.

Long-term studies that track behavioral patterns over time may provide deeper insight into how these psychological mechanisms develop and interact.

A shift in how digital addiction is understood

The study adds to a growing body of research suggesting that digital addiction is not solely driven by technology design or screen exposure. Instead, internal psychological factors, including emotional awareness and cognitive control, play a central role.

“Our findings show that strengthening attentional control and emotional awareness, rather than relying solely on restricting technology use, can be effective to prevent short video addiction,” Su said.

As short-form video platforms continue to dominate online spaces, understanding the human factors behind their appeal may prove essential. For many users, the challenge may not be stepping away from the screen, but understanding what draws them back to it in the first place.

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