TikTok Is Just One Example of the Explosion of Short-Form Media [View all]

[MineralMan]

Personally, I don't use the TikTok app at all. I am familiar, though with similar short-form, portrait-format video content, and with the preference-focused algorithms that drive apps that use that format. I can say one thing about that. It is seriously addicting.

In less than a minute, such videos - if they appeal to the viewer - produce a nice little dose of dopamine in the brain. But that only lasts for a few seconds while the content is being watched. So, the algorithm, over time, learns what gives an individual that shot of dopamine. It then pumps another video that fits the algorithmic model up for viewing. Repeat as needed or desired.

I've felt it work on me with Reels on Facebook. Suddenly I realize that I've been watching related reels for longer than I intended. Facebook (Instagram) uses similar algorithms as TikTok. Watch one and you'll unconsciously watch another, and so on. Meanwhile, the algorithm keeps swapping in new material, to see if you respond the same to it. All of that preference information goes into your user data. So, the next time you watch a reel or other content, the algorithm has learned more about keeping you engaged. Over time, you'll find that you always see something you're going to like.

It's addicting. Worse, we're not even aware that we're becoming addicted.

The problem with all of that is that those apps are leading us to seek out instant, repeatable shots of dopamine. Instead of slowly taking in information and thinking about it, we get slammed with some pleasant or rewarding content and then slammed again and again, as long as we will swipe or click to the next short content that produces the effect.

All of that is not a good thing in the long run. We need to be able to focus and concentrate for more extended time periods without a constant brain chemical stimulation. If we don't do that, we run the risk of losing the ability to do that.