Watching TikToks At x2 Speed Has Given Me Brain Rot — Can I Be Saved?

Originally published on Popsugar UK: https://www.popsugar.co.uk/bal...

My name is Lauren and I'm a TikTok addict, there I said it. It wasn't too difficult because I know I'm not alone. According to Microsoft, after just 20 minutes on TikTok, users experienced a "significant decrease" in attention span and working memory. But my addiction has taken a sinister turn recently and I'm worried it's led to some form of brain rot.

I'm not the only one worried that I'm experiencing brain rot. In fact, the term was chosen as the Oxford 2024 word of the year and is described as the the "supposed deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as a result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging." Sound familiar?

During my overconsumption session (doom scrolling through TikTok), I discovered a little hack. If you hold down on the top right corner, the video plays at twice the speed, making story-times, tutorials and videos of cute dogs even faster than usual. Not long ago, TikTok introduced their new 10 minute video option, which I was able to deal with for a while, but using the two times speed option helps me to ingest the information in half the time — is that such a crime?!

Between 2000 and 2015, the average human attention span decreased by nearly 25% and, personally, mine appears to be dropping by the minute. I used to be able to hold my focus for a 30-minute YouTube vlog, or stay gripped by a two-hour long movie but now I've fallen victim to hyper-speed videos and 10-second Shorts, Reels and TikToks and I fear I can't look back.

The University of Richmond School of Law referred to this as "TikTok brain" and emerging research suggests that watching short-form videos makes it difficult for us to engage in activities that don't offer instant — and constant — gratification. In 2022, The Wall Street Journal explained how TikTok, described by paediatricians as the "dopamine machine", has diminished an entire generation's attention span. "The constant hits of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that gets released when the brain is expecting a reward, reinforces use of apps like TikTok. One can only begin to imagine many harms that come from having greatly diminished attention spans, from trouble achieving long-term goals to being unable to focus in school, these problems can be widespread and far reaching."

Now that we know the effects, it's time to figure out how TikTok lures us in and psychology coach Casey Paul has the answer. "TikTok lures us into doom scrolling through a combination of psychological triggers, algorithmic precision, and design tactics that keep us hooked. There is an endless stream of short, addictive content, bite-sized videos, often 15-60 seconds long, which offer quick bursts of entertainment or information," she tells us.

"Each [TikTok] video gives a dopamine hit, reinforcing the desire to keep scrolling for the next entertaining or interesting clip."

"This format is ideal for delivering instant gratification, as we can consume content rapidly without much effort. Each video gives a dopamine hit, reinforcing the desire to keep scrolling for the next entertaining or interesting clip. The ease of watching 'just one more' can lead to hours of mindless scrolling. TikTok also has a highly personalised powerful algorithm which learns from your behaviours — what you like, share, comment on, and linger over — then curates content that's tailored specifically to your interests, keeping you hooked and creating an addictive experience."

Paul continues: "TikTok's auto-play feature means that a new video starts the second one ends, without requiring any action from the user. This design removes any natural stopping points, making it harder to stop the scroll."

Combining the studies, statistics and Paul's explanation of TikTok's lure, it's no surprise that the effects of endless scrolling aren't great. From the inability to focus or delay gratification, to increased stress and anxiety due to our brains remaining on high alert. It's probably why you feel so drained when all you've done is sit on your phone all day (sorry to sound like your parent).

If we do the maths, doom scrolling plus watching videos at twice the speed equals growing impatience and hyperstimulation, according to Paul. "Watching TikToks at x2 speed suggests a decline in your ability to focus on and process information at a normal pace, which could be an indication of a shortened attention span," she informs us. "The habit of speeding up content shows a growing impatience with how information is delivered and suggests that you feel pressed for time or that slower-paced videos no longer hold your attention. Watching videos at an accelerated speed is a form of hyperstimulation, which keeps the brain in a heightened state of arousal. This can become addictive, as your brain becomes used to processing information at a high velocity."

As we progress, we're set to be faced with the continued shrinking of our attention spans, which can have an impact on everything from learning to personal relationships and could cause widespread mental health challenges, such as burnout and digital fatigue. But is there light at the end of the tunnel? Is there any hope for those of us with TikTok brain?

"Having a clear reason for your online activity can stop you from aimlessly scrolling, if you have a purpose for it, you're less likely to get distracted by unrelated content."

"Breaking out of doom scrolling or the need for faster information requires both mindset shifts and practical strategies to regain control over how we engage with digital content," Paul says. "Consider setting limits to curb the impulse to endlessly scroll through content. When you set specific boundaries, you're more likely to regain control over your time.

"Creating designated screen-free periods can help to reset your brain and prevent overconsumption of information," she adds. "This reduces your reliance on constantly checking for updates. You can start small by implementing short digital detox periods throughout the day. Gradually increase this time, and consider one full day each week where you disconnect from social media and engage in offline activities.

"And finally, get intentional with your usage. Having a clear reason for your online activity can stop you from aimlessly scrolling. If you have a purpose for it, you're less likely to get distracted by unrelated content. Before using your phone or opening an app, ask yourself, 'What is my intention?' Whether it's learning something new or connecting with people, this intention keeps you focused and less likely to drift into doom scrolling," Paul concludes.