The Impact of Short-Form Video Addiction on Attention Control and Cognitive Regulation in Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Evidence Synthesis

Abstract

Background: Short-form video addiction (SVA) among young adults raises significant concerns regarding executive dysfunction, yet its neurocognitive profile remains fragmented.  Methods: Guided by PRISMA 2020 and SWiM frameworks, five databases were searched for empirical studies assessing SVA alongside attentional control or reward/decision-making outcomes in youth aged 10–35.  Results: Six empirical studies (N = 3959) were synthesized. Higher SVA severity consistently correlated with poorer attentional and self regulatory control (r = -0,09 to -0,64). Go/No-go event-related potentials revealed attenuated No-go N2 amplitudes in addicted individuals, demonstrating impaired early response conflict monitoring. Concurrently, behavioral tasks and fNIRS neuroimaging indicated heightened risk-taking, shortened decision latencies, diminished loss aversion, and hyperactivation in the orbitofrontal cortex and frontopolar area during video-cue exposure and loss feedback.  Conclusion: SVA impairs top-down attentional control and distorts reward processing through prefrontal dysregulation. Interventions must emphasize proactive self regulation and curb algorithmic cue reactivity.