Short-Form Media Linked To Increased Rates Of Depression And Anxiety In Youth

Teenagers report feeling "Insecure" about their bodies and feeling lonely after using short-form media.

- Kapil Gupta

With 5.18 billion people online, various social media platforms are fiercely competing for the attention of this audience, especially the young audience. As user preferences shifted towards easily digestible and shareable content, short-form media like Instagram Reels and YouTube shorts rose in popularity. Influenced by Gen Z, its popularity stems from its viral nature, engaging features like filters and music, and the impact of influencers. However, these platforms are also sabotaging our youth’s mental health and increasingly threatening their future.