Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Exploring the Correlation Between Teenagers’ Short-Form Video Consumption and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Jiaxin WangSouthlands Christian School*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

The recent rise of short-form videos on TikTok and Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts has caused a shift in the media consumption of teenagers and raised concerns in question to what they can do to the mental health of adolescents. The correlation between the exposure of teenagers to short-form videos and anxiety and depressive symptoms is discussed in the paper, and especially points to the psychological mechanism and elements of design that may be amplifying the emotional susceptibility. After conceptually defining and making a wellness distinction between anxiety of depression, empirical research and cross-cultural studies of the stated associations between compulsive checking behavior, the state of excessive short type of consistently the state of discovery decreased the feeling of resilience. Research findings show that algorithmic curation, bottomless scrolling, and a feedback validation loop may produce social comparison, anxiety, search for validation, high stress, ever-worrying, and bad moods. Results of studies suggest that excessive use, late participation, and passive acquisition of content are all highly correlated with their sleep patterns and their resulting self-esteem and the probability of depressive outcomes. Although, according to some reports, there are some limitations regarding cause and cultural differences, the general story seems to be that pre-existing vulnerabilities lead to more risky use patterns, which later lead to a worsening of mental health conditions. Lastly, the paper concludes on a recommendatory note about supporting interventions through media literacy initiatives, family involvement, ethically designed platforms, favourable policy favourable environments, radiating for ensuring the welfare of the adolescent.

Keywords: Teenagers; short-form video; anxiety; depression; mental health
Published: November 26, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.KM29944
Volume: CHR Vol.92
pp. 138-144
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