Short-form content, such as Instagram reels and TikTok videos, has transformed the cell phone from a highly useful tool to a distraction. With all social media apps adopting this form of content, it begins to integrate itself into your everyday routine. The use of short-form content may seem like a mindless distraction with little effect on you; however, it may be affecting your academic performance and overall quality of life.

“I watch something and I think it’s funny, I send it to one of my friends, then scroll and forget all about the last one,” said junior Nate Becker. “It’s like a goldfish memory, you forget about the last one and on to a new one.”

Short-form content is extremely addictive because it triggers a dopamine rush in your brain. Dopamine is what makes you want to keep scrolling through videos. However, you still feel unfulfilled because the effect is temporary, coming from a phone, not a natural experience like laughing with friends.
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“When I am working next to my phone, it can be distracting, but usually I will turn on some music and just ignore the notifications,” said sophomore Cassius Evans-Thompson. “When using my phone to text, sometimes I will open TikTok and end up scrolling.” ​

Phones can disrupt your rhythm while working, distracting you from completing assignments, especially ones that require your utmost attention.

The National Institutes of Health published a study about the effect that phones have on a person when used excessively. The study ultimately found that prolonged use of short videos has a direct impact on people's attention span.

Individuals who have an addiction to short-form video may experience struggles with executive function and self-control. Executive function and self-control abilities enable the brain to regulate emotions, behavior, and thoughts when attempting to complete tasks such as homework assignments. This illustrates the detrimental effects of short-form video use on both your school performance and everyday life.

The school’s phone ban is beneficial for avoiding short-form content, as it prompts you to make a decision not to use your phone by requiring you to use your pouch. Along with this decision, when your phone is out, you are at risk of having it taken by a teacher. These restrictions reduce the likelihood of you taking out your phone and watching social media during school hours. However, this phone ban is not enforced at home. Putting your phone away until you have finished all your work is beneficial, as having your phone nearby can be a significant distraction.