Scrolling Fatigue: How Continuous Short-Form Video Consumption Affects User Attention and Satisfaction
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This thesis focuses on the negative effects that derive from continuous short-from video consumption. It specifically examines the relationship between user scrolling fatigue, attention, and satisfaction with constant usage of short-form video platforms. It mainly focuses on the use of digital platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram. This research builds on previously examined empirical investigations that analyzed the effects of scrolling through short-form video digital platforms influences users’ memory, stress, and procrastination. The research analyzes the possible connection with the use of survey-based quantitative methods. The study aims to determine how users process the continuous exposure to short-form video content. The study was executed with the help of 55 participants who completed a survey that evaluated their active engagement with short-form video content. The survey assessed participants' levels of fatigue, their attention span and satisfaction after long scrolling sessions. After the data was collected and analyzed it was revealed that participants experienced high levels of fatigue and lower attentiveness, as opposed to their satisfaction levels, which remained moderate. The correlation of short-form video consumption between the three variables, attention, satisfaction, and fatigue, was also evaluated within the study. The results demonstrated that uncontrolled scrolling behaviors did, in fact highly lead to reduced attention and tiredness. Suggesting that individuals' continuous exposure to short-form video content significantly impacts their overall ability to remain active, focused, engaged, and overstimulated rather than to positive user fulfillment.
Author: Jimenez, Maribeliy Ramos
Institution: Pace University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7161661712