The modern world has developed many creative and innovative solutions to a myriad of problems. The creation of the internet has shorted the transaction of information from a matter of days to weeks to that of seconds. However, this has led to the development of many problems facing the generations raised and molded around the great but cursed invention of the internet.
Short video apps, like TikTok, have become deeply integrated into the lives of young adults, especially in China, where 94% of internet users engage with the short video social media platform. While these platforms offer entertainment and social connection, they are also linked to overuse and addiction, which negatively affects young adults’ sleep quality.
Short video addiction is a behavioural issue where young adults lose control over their video-watching habits, leading to dependence and disrupting daily life. Studies have shown that excessive smartphone use, particularly at night, can interfere with sleep by causing cognitive arousal and extending sleep latency. The resulting sleep issues can harm both mental and physical health, creating a cycle of exhaustion and impaired focus.
The study highlights two important factors that mediate the link between short video addiction and poor sleep: physical activity and procrastination behaviour.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise improves sleep quality by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. However, young adults addicted to short videos tend to engage less in physical activity, which can further deteriorate their sleep quality.
- Procrastination: Short video addiction often leads to procrastination, especially at bedtime. Delaying sleep for entertainment reduces sleep duration and worsens quality, reinforcing the negative cycle. In a population that are often still involved in academic attendance (primary/high school or tertiary education) where time constraints on work pieces are also shortened leading to more stress and further sleeplessness due to the requirement of completing their schooling.
The research suggests that both physical activity and procrastination play a combined role in explaining how short video addiction impacts sleep. A lack of physical activity increases procrastination, which delays sleep, making it harder for young adults to break free from the cycle of poor sleep.
Recommendations for Improving Sleep Quality
To help young adults improve their sleep quality, universities and organizations could look to promote physical activity through fitness programs, sports events, and health initiatives. These activities not only reduce procrastination and video addiction but also improve overall well-being given the well-documented research around the relationship of exercise and all-cause mortality but also mental and emotional health. Additionally, schooling organisations should look to invest in educating and creating programs or regulations that address short video addictions.
Conclusion
This study underscores the importance of addressing short video addiction, its grasp on the sleep routines and overall health of many populations’ youth. By encouraging physical activity and reducing procrastination, institutions can help young adults achieve better sleep quality, ultimately enhancing their academic performance and mental health
Reference:
Zhao, Z., & Kou, Y. (2024). Effect of short video addiction on the sleep quality of college students: chain intermediary effects of physical activity and procrastination behavior. Frontiers in psychology, 14, 1287735. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1287735
