When the Brain Gets Used to Short Content
This phenomenon is increasingly evident in the age of social media. Data from the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) shows that internet users in Indonesia have reached more than 221 million people, with TikTok being one of the most widely used platforms. Short-form content has now become part of daily life.
TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are designed to deliver entertainment in seconds. After one video ends, the algorithm immediately presents the next one based on the user’s interests. This habit trains the brain to receive rapid stimulation. Research by Paltaratskaya (2023) indicates that continuous consumption of short videos can make it increasingly difficult for a person to maintain attention over a long period. The dopamine system also encourages users to keep scrolling, as each piece of interesting content provides a sense of satisfaction.
The impact goes beyond just a decline in concentration. Many people now find it difficult to enjoy long-form activities, such as reading a book, watching a full-length film, or listening to an entire podcast. The habit of seeking instant gratification also makes work and learning processes easier to postpone. Even the ability to listen to others fully in conversation is diminishing. On the other hand, the habit of doomscrolling can increase anxiety and stress due to the constant influx of information without pause.
In Indonesia, this phenomenon deserves attention. The 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results showed that reading literacy skills remain relatively low. While multiple factors are at play, the increasing consumption of short-form content is a trend worth examining, as it has the potential to influence reading habits and attention stamina.
However, short-form video is not inherently to blame. This format makes it easy for the public to access information, education, and entertainment quickly. The problem arises when the brain becomes accustomed to wanting everything instantly. As a result, activities that require patience—such as studying, reading, discussing, and building relationships with others—feel increasingly burdensome.
Therefore, what is needed is not an extreme digital detox, but rather a conscious effort to rebuild the habit of focusing. Reading a book without checking a phone, watching a film without looking at notifications, giving the brain time to rest, and treating social media as entertainment only after work is done are simple steps that can be taken consistently.
Amid the relentless flow of digital information, the ability to maintain focus is becoming an increasingly valuable skill. Technology will continue to evolve, and content will become even shorter. However, not everything important in life can be understood in just thirty seconds. There is knowledge, experience, and relationships that require time, patience, and full attention to be truly meaningful.