The Role of Platform Design in Excessive Short Form Video Use and the Resulting Impacts on Cognitive Processes

Short form video (SFV) platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels have rapidly reshaped global media consumption. This thesis investigates how the defining technological elements of SFV platforms contribute to prolonged viewing behavior by inducing flow, a psychological state characterized by deep immersion and diminished self-awareness. Through a review of nineteen scholarly articles, this study examines how features like infinite scroll, auto-play, and algorithmic personalization create a low-effort, high-reward user experience that sustains attention and facilitates continuous engagement. Once immersed, users often fall into a cycle of passive, prolonged scrolling, consuming more content and spending more time than intended. Findings suggest that this pattern of excessive use may impair core cognitive functions, including attentional control, memory, decision-making, and deep information processing. By focusing on platform design rather than content or user motivations, this research addresses a critical gap in the literature on short form videos and highlights the importance of understanding how interface design can influence cognition through negative behavioral patterns. This review not only synthesizes key findings but also offers recommendations for designers, researchers, and policymakers aimed at strengthening digital well-being and promoting accountability in user experience design.