Short-Form Video Language and Its Effects on Attention Span

Abstract

Short-form video platforms—such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts—have reshaped patterns of digital communication by relying on rapid, condensed, emotionally charged linguistic forms. These platforms use a combination of visual language, textual overlays, captions, and audio cues to convey meaning quickly. As short-form video consumption continues to grow, concerns have emerged regarding potential impacts on attention span, cognitive processing, and information retention. This article analyzes how the linguistic characteristics of short-form video—brevity, immediacy, emotional salience, algorithmic tailoring, and multimodal density—affect attention. Drawing on interdisciplinary research in cognitive psychology, media theory, and digital communication, including insights from Herbert Simon, Clifford Nass, and Daniel Kahneman, the article explores how linguistic compression, high-speed narrative shifts, and emotionally “sticky” phrasing alter user attentional habits. It argues that short-form linguistic structures reward fragmented attention and rapid cognitive switching, which can weaken sustained attention over time. However, these formats also offer new opportunities for micro-learning and engagement when used intentionally. The article concludes with implications for educators, designers, communication scholars, and mental health professionals.