The Dark Side of Tiktok : How Short-Form Algorithmic Content is Killing Our Attention Spans

The rise of short-form video content has become one of the most notable changes in the way we consume content online.

From Tiktok, Reels, and Shorts, to Spotify's vertical scrolling algorithm, Amazon's Inspire feed, and even Reddit, the trend is evident. It appears that every platform wants to be part of this revolution, taking what worked for Tiktok and applying it to their own content.

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But why is everyone jumping on the short-form video bandwagon? The answer is simple: there is just too much content. The amount of content produced has increased exponentially in recent years, and companies are struggling to surface all of it to users. The solution? Short-form videos and smart algorithms that keep users engaged and watching for longer.

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However, this evolution in content consumption has come at a cost. With retention becoming the primary metric for algorithms to decide what content to show, the pressure to keep users watching has led to the use of tricks like ultra-fast editing, subtitles, and unrelated clips. This has resulted in the content itself being impacted, with some arguing that the art and information conveyed in a film, for example, have taken a back seat to these retention tactics.

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While there is no denying that the Tiktokification of content has had some negative effects, it is also important to look beyond the noise and understand the real reason why this has become the norm. It is because of the Creator Economy, new perspectives, and ideas that have come about from the increased content being produced. Furthermore, short-form video content is immediate and engaging, making it a natural evolution in the way we consume content.

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In conclusion, Tiktok may have some negative consequences, but it has also allowed for a democratization of content creation and opened the door for new voices and ideas to be heard. While algorithms continue to prioritize retention, it is up to us as users to seek out content that speaks to us and has value beyond the tricks used to keep us watching. As technology continues to evolve, it is important to stay mindful of the impact it has on our consumption habits and on the content we create and consume.

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