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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
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Paper ID:
IJSREM62204
Volume:
10 |
4 |
April 2026
Pages:
1-14
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
Department of Computer Science
PVG College of Science and Commerce
Department of Computer Science
PVG College of Science and Commerce
Department of Computer Science
PVG College of Science and Commerce
Short-form videos on platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook are now a regular part of daily life for people of all ages. Users engage with this content for entertainment, shopping, comedy, learning, and staying informed. Earlier studies have largely concentrated on younger audiences, leaving a gap in understanding how different age groups respond to various types of short-form content [1], [4]. This gap highlights the need to explore how generations differ in their engagement with these platforms and what effects they have on everyday habits. This research seeks to understand how children, young adults, adults, and older individuals use short-form videos, what kind of content they prefer, and how these videos shape their attention, behavior, and purchasing decisions. The study combines survey data with findings from existing research on usage patterns, attention span, and consumer behavior [2]. By bringing together primary and secondary data, the study offers a clearer picture of how digital habits vary across age groups. Recent large-scale research, drawing from 71 studies with nearly 100,000 participants, has shown that frequent use of short-form videos is linked to moderate declines in cognitive function and small but consistent effects on mental health [11]. Attention and self-control appear to be the areas most affected [11]. At the same time, studies focused on older adults reveal that their engagement with short-form content is often purposeful—serving social, emotional, and even altruistic needs—rather than passive consumption [17]. The findings of this study show that younger users spend more time on entertainment-driven content and are actively involved in content creation, while older viewers lean toward informational or emotionally meaningful videos. The research also explores how short videos influence buying behavior through two main pathways: immersive engagement and trust-building [14]. Overall, the results point to clear generational differences and offer practical suggestions for healthier, more balanced use of short-form video platforms.
KEYWORDS
This study set out to understand how different age groups use short-form video platforms and how this content affects their behavior. The findings confirm that younger users spend more time on entertainment-based content, while older adults prefer informational or emotionally meaningful videos. Three main conclusions emerge from the integration of primary and secondary data: First, the cognitive effects of short-form video are measurable and affect all age groups. Meta-analytic evidence shows clear links between frequent use and difficulties with attention and self-control [11]. The perception of attention impact reported by 59% of respondents in this study aligns with that broader evidence. Second, generational differences are not just about how much people watch, but why they watch. Younger users, particularly teens, engage through creation and participation [15]. Older adults use short-form content for connection, sharing, and emotional fulfillment [17]. These are qualitatively different forms of engagement. Third, purchasing behavior is shaped by both immersion and trust. Short videos influence consumers through two related but separate pathways: the immersive flow that encourages sharing, and the trust that builds over time through credible content [14].
[1] R. Fernandes, "Age-related patterns in short-form video consumption," Journal of Social Sciences, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 45–55, 2025. [2] J. Li and Y. Qiu, "Impact of short-form video content quality on consumers' purchase intentions," Scientific Reports, vol. 14, no. 1, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-94994-z. [3] S. Chiencharoenthanakij, R. Suksawatchon, C. Sitticharoon, and B. Kaewkamnerdpong, "Associations between short-form video usage and inattentive behaviors in children," Brain and Behavior, vol. 15, no. 1, e70656, 2025. doi: 10.1002/brb3.70656. [4] R. E. Pandey and A. Chandramouly, "Short-form video content and consumer engagement in digital landscapes," International Journal of Digital Media Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 112–123, 2024. [5] X. Li, C. Wang, and L. Zhao, "The impact of short videos on people's consumption behavior," Journal of Consumer Research and Behaviour, vol. 22, no. 2, pp. 67–81, 2024. [6] S. Kumar and P. Bansal, "Short-form video content and its effect on online consumer behaviour," Journal of Digital Economy, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 90–104, 2024. [7] M. Reddy and A. Thomas, "Social media short videos and user habits: A behavioural study," Asian Journal of Social Research, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 22–30, 2025. [8] Author's Survey, "Short-Form Video Consumption Across Age Groups," Google Forms, 2026. [9] T. Chen et al., "The impact of online reviews on consumers' purchasing decisions: Evidence from an eye-tracking study," Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 13, 865702, 2022. [10] IEEE Xplore, "Power of Short Video Advertising: Analyzing the Purchase Behavior of Different Generations," 2025. doi: 10.1109/IC3I63227.2025.10875985.
Publication Date
5/1/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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