As social media increasingly permeates our daily lives, warnings from the medical community are becoming more frequent. It appears that social media is impacting not just our lifestyles, but our brains as well. The concept of 'TikTok Brain' is emerging, highlighting how excessive use of the platform can diminish cognitive abilities and attention performance. Discover how this phenomenon affects academic success and social relationships in our detailed analysis.
Experts are warning about a phenomenon called 'TikTok Brain'. TikTok is a social media platform where users share short videos, and this rapidly consumed content is reshaping the human brain's attention span.
Scientists researching the effects of this rapid content consumption on the brain have developed the concept of 'TikTok Brain'. Speaking to DHA, Specialist Doctor Oğuzhan Onultan from the Neurology Department explains, “The concept of TikTok Brain refers to the state of distraction and reduced ability to focus observed in individuals who are continuously exposed to short, rapid, and high-intensity information bombardment. This situation can result in decreased performance in tasks that require long-term attention, as the brain is constantly subjected to new and different stimuli.”
Recent studies have revealed that social media usage hinders success in activities that require deep thinking and long-term attention.
In an interview with DHA, Dr. Onultan highlights the shortening of attention span, specifically pointing to short video platforms like TikTok. He states that this situation could lead to 'a decline in performance in activities requiring deep thinking and long-term attention' and adds: 'These negative effects can manifest in a wide range, from academic performance to interactions in social relationships.'
In the changing life conditions brought by the innovations of the digital age, parents and educators have a significant role in protecting the brain from negative effects. The social media usage of young people should be particularly monitored. Preventing prolonged social media usage and returning to traditional methods is essential!
Specialist Dr. Onultan also shares the solution to this problem: In his statement, the expert doctor explains, “Reading books, going for nature walks, and engaging in activities like art and crafts can help restructure the attention span. Although the innovations of the digital age make our lives easier in many ways, they also bring new problems that we need to pay attention to. TikTok Brain is one of the primary issues and is particularly crucial for the future of the younger generation. Conscious use and a balanced digital life can help overcome this problem.”