TikTok Brain: An Investigation of Short-Form Video Use, Self-Control, and Phubbing

Phubbing (phone snubbing) has become the norm in (im)polite society. A vast majority of US adults report using their phones during a recent social interaction. Using one's phone in the presence of others has been shown to have a negative impact on relationships among co-workers, friends, family, and romantic partners. Recent research suggests viewing short-form videos (SFVs) (e.g., TikTok) is more addictive/immersive than traditional social media (e.g., Facebook) leading to a greater likelihood of phubbing others. Across two studies, the present research investigates the relationship between SFV viewing and phubbing and the possible mediating effect of self-control. We also test whether TikTok has a stronger relationship with phubbing than Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, two popular SFV purveyors. Study 1 (282 college students) finds that viewing TikTok videos is positively associated with phubbing others and this relationship is mediated by self-control. Interestingly, Study 1 also finds that this relationship does not hold for Instagram Reels and YouTube shorts. Using two different measures of self-control, Study 2 (198 adults) provides additional support for the mediating effect of self-control on the SFV viewing-phubbing relationship. Again, the model is only supported for TikTok SFV viewing, not Instagram or YouTube. In sum, the viewing of carefully curated short TikTok videos, often 30-60 seconds in length, undermines self-control which is associated with increased phubbing behavior. Implications of the present study's findings expand far beyond phubbing. Self-control plays a central role in nearly all human decision making and behavior. Suggestions for future research are offered.