Remember when getting lost in a good book was the ultimate escape? For many kids, that kind of deep, introspective reading feels nearly impossible. Instead, their attention is pulled in every direction. Fifteen-second videos, rapid-fire content, and constant notifications. Platforms like TikTok have redefined how young people consume information, and the ripple effects are showing up in classrooms everywhere. So, what happens when long-form literature tries to go head-to-head with short-form media? And more importantly, what is this short-form content doing to kids’ ability to read, write, and think critically? Let’s unpack what the science says and explore whether classic stories still have a fighting chance in a world built for doomscrolling.
TikTok is a social media platform that specializes in short-form content, with most posts ranging from fifteen to thirty seconds in length. Though the app was launched in 2016, it didn’t start gaining traction until 2018, and it’s continuing to rise in popularity by the day. After seeing how successful short-form content was, other social media platforms followed suit. Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Reels. Short-form content is clearly popular, it’s quickly engageable videos getting users hooked, but what about our attention spans?
Short-form media gives a sense of constant, instant gratification. The continuous stream of media available on these apps gives users a hit of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that’s responsible for feelings of satisfaction or pleasure, and that dopamine hit reinforces users to continue using the apps. This instant feedback loop conditions the brain to crave more stimulation, making it harder to focus on tasks that don’t offer immediate payoff. Over time, this can chip away at our ability to concentrate for extended periods, like, say, reading a novel or writing an essay. In a world where everything is built for speed, slow, thoughtful engagement starts to feel like a chore.
When it comes to kids who regularly use social media, especially those who binge short-form content like TikToks, Reels, and YouTube Shorts, there’s often a noticeable drop in motivation to engage in activities like reading and writing. It’s not that they suddenly dislike stories or language; it’s that their brains are being rewired to crave the fast, constant stimulation that these platforms provide. Short-form media is engineered to be addictive, delivering a near-instant surge of dopamine with every swipe or like. While reading produces dopamine too, the reward is slower and requires more sustained effort, making it feel less exciting. Over time, this imbalance can lead to a preference for passive scrolling over active, imaginative engagement, making it harder for kids to focus, absorb information deeply, or find joy in slower, more thoughtful forms of learning.
So, where does that leave us? In a world dominated by endless scrolling and bite-sized entertainment, it’s clear that long-form reading is facing some serious competition! But maybe that just means we need to rethink how we approach reading and writing with the next generation. How do we spark curiosity in an overstimulated world? I’d love to hear your thoughts—whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, or just someone who’s noticed your own attention span shrinking. Do you think long-form literature can still thrive? What strategies have you seen (or tried) to keep kids engaged with reading? Leave a comment below and let’s start a conversation!
Read Between the Minds 
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