When attention is shaped by fragmented information, societies risk losing the patience and critical judgment required for resilience in emergencies and national security situations.
Consciously break the ‘Auto-scroll’ habit: Before opening an app, pause for two seconds. Ask: Do I want this, or is it just a reflex?
In the last few years, short-video platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok have become the main source of entertainment for millions of young people. These platforms are colourful, exciting, and addictive. A swipe brings a new joke, a new song, a new face—everything is quick, punchy, and designed to keep you hooked.
However, scientists around the world are now warning that this constant flood of fast content may be quietly changing the way our brain works. A large study that analysed data from nearly one lakh people showed a clear pattern: the more time people spend on short-form content, the harder it becomes for them to stay focused, stay calm, and think deeply.
This is not about blaming technology or calling social media “bad”. Social media has many positives—new ideas, creativity, learning, and community building. But the concern is about overuse, and how it shapes the minds of a generation that is still growing.
What exactly is happening to our brains?
Here are the main effects researchers are seeing:
1. Shorter attention span
When the brain gets used to watching eight-second videos, switching topics dozens of times in a minute, it becomes harder to stay with one task for longer periods — like reading a book, studying, or listening to a teacher.
Your mind starts looking for the next “hit” of entertainment.
2. Overstimulation
Every reel or short is designed to shock, surprise, impress, or entertain instantly.
This constant stimulation puts the brain in a state of high alert, even when we are trying to relax. Over time, this makes the mind restless and easily bored.
3. Emotional ups and downs
Too much screen time affects sleep, creates anxiety, and sometimes leads to a sense of dissatisfaction. We compare our lives with the “perfect lives” shown online and feel low without realising it.
4. Habit without awareness
Most people don’t even realise when scrolling becomes automatic. We pick up the phone without thinking— morning, afternoon, night. What starts as “timepass” quietly becomes a habit that controls us.
5. Adults are also affected
Though we talk a lot about teenagers, research shows that even adults experience the same attention and emotional effects. Age does not protect anyone from the impact of overstimulation.
Why are youth especially vulnerable?
Young people are still forming their habits, identity, patience, and emotional strength. When the developing brain is repeatedly exposed to fast, loud, changing content, it may:
* reduce their interest in slow and meaningful activities
* affect academic performance
*weaken emotional resilience
* create dependence on quick entertainment
* reduce curiosity for deeper learning
From a broader security perspective, sustained exposure to fragmented information environments can weaken critical thinking, patience, and judgment at a societal level. These traits are essential for resilience during crises, emergencies and national security challenges where calm analysis matters more than speed.
This is not a disaster, but it is a warning.
How to protect ourselves from the negative effects
We do NOT need to quit social media. We only need to use it consciously, not mechanically. Here are some simple ways to stay safe and mentally healthy:
1. Fix social media timings
Do not allow social media to enter every minute of your day.
Choose two or three small time slots; for example, 20 minutes in the evening and avoid scrolling outside those timings.
2. Avoid using the phone right before sleep
Fast content keeps the brain overactive.
At least 45 minutes before sleeping, keep the phone away.
This improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety.
3. Do at least one ‘slow activity’ every day
Your brain needs calm, long-form engagement. Try:
* reading
*drawing
* writing
* meditation
* playing a real-life sport
* nature walk
These activities rebuild attention span and emotional balance.
4. Be aware of ‘auto-scrolling’
When you open the phone, pause for two seconds.
Ask yourself: Am I opening this because I want to, or just out of habit?
This tiny pause can change everything.
5. Protect your sense of self
Remember: reels show the best moments of someone’s life, not their real life.
Comparing yourself to filtered, edited lives will only create unnecessary stress.
6. Talk to children openly
If you are a parent, teacher, or sibling, talk to young people about social media use.
Not with anger- but with understanding. Help them build healthy habits early.
Implications on national security
Beyond personal well-being, these trends have implications for defence and national security. Reduced attention, impulsive reactions, and emotional volatility can be exploited through misinformation, psychological influence, and cognitive warfare, especially among digitally naive youth who will form tomorrow’s soldiers, leaders, and citizens.
The bigger picture: Learning to live in a digital world
Social media is not going away. In fact, it will only grow faster, smarter, and more addictive. The real question is: Can we learn to use it instead of letting it use us?
Digital wellness must become as important as physical wellness. Just like we avoid junk food for our bodies, we must regulate the digital “junk food” our mind consumes.
If we build awareness, discipline, and balance, social media can be a tool for creativity and learning. If we don’t, it can quietly drain our attention, energy, and peace of mind.
The choice is ours, and for our youth, it is a choice that will shape their future.
About the author
Colonel Ram Murty is serving in the Indian Army with more than 25 years of experience. He specialises in strategic communication, cognitive operations, and building national security narratives. He focuses on analysing emerging threats in the cognitive and information domains.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
