NEUROSCIENCE AND ATTENTION IN THE DIGITAL AGE: THE IMPACT OF SHORT VIDEOS ON THE CHILDREN’S BRAIN

Abstract

This article discusses the impacts of instant digital stimuli, especially those resulting from the excessive consumption of short videos on digital platforms, on children’s neurocognitive development. The research examines how continuous exposure to fast, dynamic, and highly stimulating content influences brain neuroplasticity processes during childhood, a stage considered fundamental for the formation of neural connections and for the child’s emotional, cognitive, and social development. The study shows that prolonged use of these media may impair important aspects such as attention, concentration, memory, language, emotional regulation, and social interaction skills, in addition to encouraging impulsive behaviors and learning difficulties. The effects of digital hyperstimulation on the brain’s reward system, associated with the constant search for immediate gratification, are also analyzed. Furthermore, the research highlights the importance of balance in the use of technology, family and school supervision, and the promotion of healthy educational practices that encourage real-life experiences, social interactions, and appropriate stimuli for child development. It is concluded that, although digital resources may have educational potential, their excessive and unregulated use can generate significant consequences for neuroplasticity and for the child’s overall development, making it necessary to raise awareness among parents, educators, and society about the limits and care related to digital consumption during childhood.