Short Videos Harm Brain 5x More Than Alcohol, Cigarettes: Scientists Warn

• Research shows short videos (Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, TikTok) affect the brain 5 times more than alcohol and cigarettes.
• Increases risk of stress, depression, difficulty thinking, lack of focus, and loneliness.
• Findings from 71 studies (100,000 people) published in American Mental Health Organization's Psychological Bulletin.
• Reduces physical activity, discourages social interaction, leading to isolation and depression.
• Disrupts brain rhythm, impairs sleep, and creates a dangerous dopamine dependency, making real-life interactions feel less rewarding.

Why It Matters: Excessive short video consumption poses severe mental health risks, impacting brain function and social well-being.