Watching reels to pass the time and alleviate boredom has become a common habit across all age groups. Although millennials and Gen Z are more likely to exhibit this behavior, many retired individuals also do so. Reels are readily available on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. They are mostly short videos, with a top duration of 50 seconds to 1 minute, crafted for easy online consumption.
Life is becoming more hectic. People have little time to relax and enjoy themselves. Social media giants have found a straightforward way to fix the problem. Normal videos, which are 5-6 minutes to 1 hour long, are shortened to highlight only the main points. These summarized videos are then presented to the audience for scrolling. Based on the user’s interest, the algorithm provides more such videos for easier consumption. The algorithm is critical in determining what the audience will watch next in a scroll. The scrolling mechanisms have become so flexible that everyone can pick and choose which reels they want to see. If they are unsatisfied with the current reel, they can easily scroll to the next one.
With so many options available, users have become victims of algorithmic manipulation. The social media algorithm knows exactly what types of entertainment influence us. It identifies what makes us support different causes, make purchases, develop hobbies, and fantasize. It even knows what leads us to have celebrity crushes. Information is crucial. Social media giants hold piles of users’ private data. They sell this data to third parties to promote products. They also change consumer behavior and manipulate voting patterns in swing states, among other things.
Reels have facilitated marketing and branding. The exact message can now be delivered to users in a minute-long video. This is done by precisely calibrating the content. Reels also spread scams and propaganda. Many people spend considerable time scrolling through reels, becoming unproductive.
Gen Z’s attention span has declined dramatically since the advent of technology, particularly smartphones. The patience needed to watch long videos, read a book, and analyze a pattern has decreased across everyone. As technology aids become more readily accessible, people often request information in shorter formats. The angst of reading the final chapter of a book is fading. So is the excitement of completing a TV series at one go. Everyone wants to know what happens next and quickly wants solutions to each problem.
Are reels responsible for everyone’s diminished attention span? The answer is yes or no. Yes, to some extent, the reels have affected, but not entirely. It depends on people’s mindset. Socio-cultural shifts also play a role. The urge to copy trendy styles affects attention spans. A lack of patience is also a factor. These are the main factors behind shorter attention spans. The burning question is- can it be controlled? With less screen time, one can fix the issue of real addiction. Greater exposure to the outside world, rather than to the phone, can also help address the attention deficit. Still, it can’t be entirely controlled, as the digital age is becoming increasingly saturated and AI is taking over more and more.
The Witty Stride 