Where the Minds Fail to Function: Effectsof Short-Form Videos on ExecutiveFunction among Medical Students in KSA,Executive Function Index Applied

Abstract

Introduction: Executive function (EF) is what drives us toward our goals, and it includes skills such as working
memory, attention, and problem-solving. Furthermore, it is essential for academic success and day-to-day living
among medical students. Recent uprise in the short video application field led to the increased consumption of
short-form clips, particularly on platforms like TikTok. These videos work under the mechanism of engaging
attention within seconds by exposing people to visual stimulation, leading to outbursts of dopamine waves
through the brain. Thus, brief videos have raised concerns about their potential negative impact on the EFs by
disrupting attention, increasing addictive behavior, reducing motivation, blurring focus, and poor planning ability.
Objectives: The objective of the study is to determine the association between both the duration and frequency
of short-form video (SFV) use and their impact on executive dysfunction among medical students in Saudi
Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted through an online questionnaire during the period
of July 2025–December 2025 in Saudi Arabia. The study included medical students who agreed to participate
from all years of study, including internship, and across Saudi Arabia. Those who did not consent or were not
medical students were excluded. A minimum sample size of 384 students was calculated using a 95% confidence
level and a 5% margin of error. Results: A total of 462 students were included. High-risk SFV addiction was
identified in 18.4% of participants, while 26.8% were classified as moderate risk. Overall, executive dysfunction
was prevalent, with 37.0% classified as having low EF and 52.4% at moderate risk. A significant association was
observed between the short video addiction scale category and overall EF (P < 0.001), with higher addiction risk
corresponding to poorer EF. Significant associations were also found for planning/prioritization, flexibility, time
management, emotional control, goal-directed persistence, and stress tolerance (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: SFV
addiction symptoms are common among Saudi
medical students and are significantly associated
with impairments in several EF domains critical
for academic success and well-being. These
findings highlight the need for awareness and
preventive strategies targeting digital media use in
medical education.