In recent years, the surge of short videos and dramas in China has led to a crisis, with many young people becoming addicted and subsequently facing mental and physical health issues. (People News/AI-generated image)
[People News] The phenomenon of short videos and micro-dramas has become overwhelming in China, and many young people engrossed in these formats are increasingly experiencing health problems, with memory decline being the most common. Some citizens have even been diagnosed by doctors with 'digital dementia'.
A report from the Fuzhou Evening News on November 4 details the case of a 25-year-old woman named Wang from Fuzhou, Fujian. She works in online sales and constantly uses her phone to communicate with clients during work hours. Consequently, after work, she finds it hard to detach from her phone, spending entire nights scrolling through short videos and watching micro-dramas, with her screen time often exceeding 10 hours a day.
More than six months ago, she began to notice a decline in her memory and difficulty concentrating, but she initially dismissed it. However, the situation has worsened recently; she forgets tasks assigned by her supervisor almost immediately after being told, and she often gets stuck mid-conversation, unable to recall words. The most alarming incident occurred one day when, after work, she found herself standing in the building's stairwell, unable to remember which floor she lived on. This experience frightened her enough to seek help from a neurologist.
Following the examination, the doctor discovered that her brain structure was normal and free from disease; however, her memory and concentration had significantly declined. This condition is referred to as 'digital dementia,' commonly known as smartphone dementia. The doctor clarified that this does not indicate actual brain damage, but rather stems from our excessive reliance on smartphones, which leads us to outsource our memory and cognitive processes to these devices. Consequently, the brain becomes underutilised and lacks stimulation, resulting in a gradual 'lazy degeneration' of its neural mechanisms. Common symptoms include worsening memory, difficulty concentrating, and even challenges in verbal expression.
Experts further noted that spending all day scrolling through our phones deprives us of opportunities for deep reading, reflective thinking, and face-to-face social interactions. The rapid, fragmented information from short videos continuously stimulates the brain, disrupting the process of converting 'short-term memory' into 'long-term memory.' The doctor recommended reducing aimless scrolling on our phones, taking a moment to think independently when confronted with a situation instead of immediately searching online, and ideally setting aside our phones for at least an hour before bedtime, ensuring they are not brought into the bedroom.
Upon the release of this news, it quickly sparked a frenzy online. Many netizens flocked to comment, exclaiming, 'This is totally me!' They humorously shared experiences of 'walking to the fridge and suddenly forgetting what they intended to grab,' 'entering a supermarket and experiencing a mental blank,' or 'constantly questioning whether they locked the door after leaving.'
People also directed their criticism towards short dramas, labelling them as 'electronic drugs,' 'mental opium,' or 'legitimate brain massage,' thus becoming trapped in a cycle of both affection and frustration.
Despite knowing it’s trash, the brain just can’t stop: netizens confess that this is a remarkably accurate form of "dopamine fast food". Each episode lasts only 1 to 2 minutes, with conflicts introduced in the first 10 seconds and face-slapping occurring within 30 seconds, leaving no opportunity for the brain to think or take a breather. "Even though I know the plot is ridiculous and the acting is cringeworthy, my brain doesn’t have to work; it’s all about the enjoyment!" The most frequent comment is: "I intended to watch for just 5 minutes while lying down, but before I knew it, two hours had flown by," making it the prime suspect in stealing away pre-sleep time.
The formula is repetitive, specifically targeting the lower class and the elderly: netizens criticise that short dramas revolve around just four main themes—"God of War descending/Invisible rich man", "Tearing apart scumbags/Dominant CEO", "Exquisite relatives/Mother-in-law vs. daughter-in-law", and "Time travel and counterattack". After watching a hundred episodes, it’s essentially the same script with different actors. Even worse is the "micro-transaction charging trap", where the initial episodes are free, but just when the plot gets exciting, viewers are forced to pay, making it more expensive than watching a movie! Many netizens have complained that their elderly family members have unknowingly racked up thousands in charges.
This addiction storm sparked by short videos and micro-dramas not only turns algorithms into high-intensity mental lawnmowers but also quietly subjects an increasing number of young people to serious consequences such as focus collapse and early memory decline while they indulge in "low-level happiness".
The primary dangers of addiction to AI short dramas
According to reports from mainland media, addiction to AI short dramas is characterised by behaviour driven by dopamine and an imbalance in cognitive load. It ensnares individuals through rapid plot twists, emotional stimulation, and algorithmic recommendations, posing a significant threat to both time and mental and physical health.
• Sleep and Physical Health Impairment: Prolonged binge-watching and disruptions to the biological clock can lead to persistent activation of the sympathetic nervous system and irregular blood pressure rhythms. Recent reports have highlighted cases where elderly individuals suffered acute cerebral infarction after staying up all night watching AI short dramas while remaining inactive, thereby missing the critical window for emergency intervention.
• Decline in Attention and Deep Thinking Abilities: Each episode of these short dramas lasts only a few minutes and features rapid plot twists. Over time, this can train the brain to adapt to frequent information switching, resulting in fragmented attention and an inability to engage in deep reading and critical thinking.
• Cognitive Function and Memory Impairment: A lack of deep thinking can decrease the secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), potentially leading to brain fog, neuronal degeneration, and severe forgetfulness due to superficial processing over time.
• Emotional and Mental Health Crisis: An obsession with virtual narratives can create a disconnect from reality and society. After turning off their devices, individuals often experience intense feelings of loneliness and anxiety, particularly among adolescents, those with ADHD, and individuals suffering from depression and anxiety disorders.
• Consumption and Hidden Traps: Some AI short drama platforms have issues with hidden subscription fees that are difficult to cancel, which can lead to uncontrolled spending. △
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