Short-form video addiction is emerging as a societal concern. gettyimagesbank
As the competition for short-form video content heats up among global social media platforms, concerns over its potential adverse effects are growing. Critics point out that recommendation algorithms, considered a trade secret by these platform companies, contribute to smartphone addiction.
According to a survey by app analytics service WiseApp, YouTube users in Korea spent a total of 1.8 billion hours on the platform in September 2023, a 9.5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022.
In comparison, the combined usage of popular apps KakaoTalk and Naver amounted to less than half of YouTube's total.
Instagram usage also saw a sharp 42.1 percent rise, with users spending 379 million hours in September, reflecting the growing popularity of short-form video content like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels.
YouTube recently extended the maximum length of Shorts from one minute to three minutes to compete with TikTok, the original short-form video platform.
Smartphone dependency worrisome
A significant issue with short-form content is its potential to exacerbate digital addiction, especially among younger users.
According to the Ministry of Science and ICT's 2023 survey on smartphone dependency, 40.1 percent of adolescents in Korea were classified as at risk for smartphone addiction.
The use of short-form content was notably higher among these at-risk groups. Furthermore, 34.7 percent of children aged 3 to 9 and 36.7 percent of adolescents aged 10 to 19 reported difficulty controlling their short-form video consumption.
Experts point to sophisticated algorithms as a primary reason behind this growing addiction. These platforms analyze users' viewing history, watch time, and even actions like fast-forwarding or rewinding to offer highly personalized content.
This constant stream of tailored videos keeps users engaged for longer periods, making it harder to step away.
A platform industry insider said, "In the past, social media platforms focused on content liked by your friends, but now, short-form platforms use hyperpersonalized algorithms that get more accurate the longer you use them."
A promotional video for dramas is showcased on YouTube Shorts. Captured from YouTube
Slow regulation progress
As short-form video addiction becomes a societal concern, various countries are beginning to address the potential harm of platform algorithms. Earlier this month, the European Union (EU) sent requests to TikTok and YouTube, demanding detailed information on how their recommendation algorithms are designed.
This move signals the EU's intention to scrutinize the opaque mechanisms behind content recommendations. In the U.S., several states have filed lawsuits against Meta, accusing Instagram of deliberately addicting teenage users. Meanwhile, Australia is considering legislation that would set a minimum age for social media use.
In contrast, discussions about regulating short-form video platforms in Korea are still in their infancy. The government has so far emphasized voluntary regulation and cooperation with platform companies.
However, some lawmakers have proposed new measures. Rep. Cho Jung-hun of the ruling People Power Party has introduced a bill that would set daily limits for social media use among teens under 16, while Rep. Youn Gun-young of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea has proposed amendments to prevent children under 14 from registering on social media platforms.
"As major advanced countries strengthen public accountability for platforms, it's likely that domestic legislation will also shift in that direction," an official from the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee said.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.