If your pre-pubescent or teenage kid cannot live without a smartphone or tablet, it’s a cause for concern. Ordinarily, it was believed that some amount of screen time isn’t harmful in young adults. But a new study has gone beyond the notion of ‘limited screen time’, ascertaining exactly how much is too much. Doomscrolling Short-Form Content Is Affecting Young Minds A new study published in the European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry journal recently shared insight into how endless scrolling of short-form content, personalised social media feeds, and engaging content may affect the cognitive, mental, and emotional well-being of adolescents and young adults. Marlene Ebster, first author of the study Taming the Endless Scroll and a graduate from the University of Bayreuth’s Institute of Medical Management and Health Sciences, said, “Our aim was to develop a differentiated understanding of the effects of short-video platforms based on scientifically robust evidence, and to move beyond blanket statements such as ‘less screen time.’” The researchers relied on scientific data published between 2015 and 2025. 47,000 participants were included in the final analysis, with an average age of 16.8 years. The findings indicate that an intensive and unintentional use of short-video platforms may be associated with a number of negative consequences. Researchers eventually found that these usage patterns and habits were linked to increased inattention and impulsivity. The findings also said that the participants presented reduced working memory and weaker self-regulation abilities. Additionally, several studies reported mental health issues in young adults, including higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, especially among heavy users. How To Combat Excessive Screen Time In Young Adults? The study also identified factors that can protect young people. A supportive social environment, strong digital literacy, and structured and purposeful digital habits proved to reduce the negative effects of endless scrolling. Here are other ways that can help: Swapping Online Shows With Interesting Activities: Replace one streaming session with a home-made “show” of fun-filled activities. Kids get hooked on activities with time-bound tasks; they get competitive. Screen-free creativity is a cardio-friendly brain workout. Hiding Wi-Fi Router: Hide the router behind a daily challenge. Want Wi-Fi? You have got to earn it by doing something active, like 20 minutes of cycling, a round of badminton, or even cleaning the house. Family Screen Swap Hour: Pick one hour each evening where everyone swaps screens for a shared activity, like board games, cooking, or a walk outside. The key is doing it together, so no one feels singled out.The ‘Leave It at the Door’ Rule: Phones and tablets stay outside the bedrooms. Create a charging station in the hallway and make it a family-wide ritual. Fewer late-night scrolling marathons mean better sleep and, as the study shows, potentially better heart health.