A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology explored how short-form video addiction relates to psychological factors such as attachment anxiety, attentional control, and alexithymia. The researchers found that individuals with higher attachment anxiety tend to show stronger tendencies toward short-form video addiction. This relationship is partly explained by two psychological pathways: reduced attentional control and increased alexithymia.
Short-form video addiction (SVA) refers to excessive use of short-video platforms such as TikTok. When people become overly engaged with these apps, it can interfere with daily responsibilities and productivity. Many individuals also use these platforms as a way to cope with stress or escape negative emotions. The issue is particularly common among young adults, especially university students, where prevalence rates have sometimes reached more than 27%.
The study draws on attachment theory, which suggests that early interactions with caregivers shape emotional regulation and behavior throughout life. People with attachment anxiety often experience fear of rejection, insecurity, and a strong need for reassurance. These emotional patterns may make them more likely to seek distraction or comfort through digital media.
Two key psychological mechanisms help explain this relationship. The first is attentional control, which refers to a person’s ability to focus attention and shift it effectively between tasks. Individuals with high attachment anxiety often struggle with attention regulation, making them more vulnerable to distractions like short-video platforms.
The second mechanism is alexithymia, a condition in which people have difficulty identifying and expressing their emotions. Individuals with alexithymia may turn to short videos as a way to avoid or manage uncomfortable emotional experiences.
The research surveyed 342 Chinese university students aged 18–22 using standardized psychological scales. Results showed that attachment anxiety was linked to lower attentional control and higher alexithymia, both of which increased the likelihood of short-form video addiction.
Overall, the findings suggest that improving emotional awareness and strengthening attentional control could help reduce problematic short-video use, particularly among individuals who experience high levels of attachment anxiety.
