Short-Form Media & Workplace Cognition
Exploring how rapid digital content fragments attention, memory, and team collaboration in modern workspaces
Read Paper
Research Focus
This study investigates the cognitive and behavioral impact of short-form video content on digital media (e.g., TikTok, Reels, Shorts) on workplace performance, specifically how rapid media consumption alters attention span, deep thinking, and team dynamics.
Key Research Questions
How does short-form media affect cognitive load and focus during work hours?
What behavioral adaptations are developing in response to frequent content switching?
In what ways does media multitasking contribute to decreased collaboration and productivity?
What coping mechanisms are employees using to balance digital consumption and task execution?
How can organizations manage attention dispersion without restricting autonomy?
Methodology
The research combines:
Literature review of cognitive and behavioral studies (Ophir, Lee, Sweller, Mark, Johnson, et al.)
Analysis of attention span degradation, multitasking behavior, and dopamine reward systems
Synthesis of findings into strategic workplace implications
Mapping of short-form content’s psychological design and its neural impact on work focus
Key Insights
Micro-Procrastination
Team Disconnect
Mental Fatigue
Loss of Flow
Short-form content conditions reactive thinking over sustained focus
I check TikTok when I’m stuck on a slide
Five minutes turns into thirty real quick
Habit loop kicks in between tasks
Meetings feel “rushed” or “surface-level”
Reduced patience for back-and-forth dialogue
“After binging reels, I don’t feel like thinking.”
Multitasking gives room to fatigue
Task engagement drops from minutes to seconds
Fragmented time blocks ruin deep work
“I forget what I was doing before I even get back”
Visual overload equals lower retention
Difficulty maintaining shared attention
Evidence
Mark, G. (2023). Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity. Hanover Square Press.
Strategic Implications
Encourage attention restoration breaks rather than restrict all media use?
Design deep work rituals or protected zones within digital workspaces?
Explore interface design that slows interaction or spaces out reward triggers?
Implement lightweight digital hygiene guidelines focused on pacing consumption?
Create culture shifts where focus is normalized and rewarded, not just speed?
To address the cognitive strain caused by short-form media, should workplaces:
Sustainability
Student
Social Impact
StudentLoop
Birdflu
Public health
Govt
Farmers
Flu Clue
Contact me
2025 Funmilayo Makinde
Short-Form Media & Workplace Cognition
Exploring how rapid digital content fragments attention, memory, and team collaboration in modern workspaces
Read Paper
Research Focus
This study investigates the cognitive and behavioral impact of short-form video content on digital media (e.g., TikTok, Reels, Shorts) on workplace performance, specifically how rapid media consumption alters attention span, deep thinking, and team dynamics.
Key Research Questions
How does short-form media affect cognitive load and focus during work hours?
What behavioral adaptations are developing in response to frequent content switching?
In what ways does media multitasking contribute to decreased collaboration and productivity?
What coping mechanisms are employees using to balance digital consumption and task execution?
How can organizations manage attention dispersion without restricting autonomy?
Methodology
The research combines:
Literature review of cognitive and behavioral studies (Ophir, Lee, Sweller, Mark, Johnson, et al.)
Analysis of attention span degradation, multitasking behavior, and dopamine reward systems
Synthesis of findings into strategic workplace implications
Mapping of short-form content’s psychological design and its neural impact on work focus
Key Insights
Micro-Procrastination
Team Disconnect
Mental Fatigue
Loss of Flow
Short-form content conditions reactive thinking over sustained focus
I check TikTok when I’m stuck on a slide
Five minutes turns into thirty real quick
Habit loop kicks in between tasks
Meetings feel “rushed” or “surface-level”
Reduced patience for back-and-forth dialogue
“After binging reels, I don’t feel like thinking.”
Multitasking gives room to fatigue
Task engagement drops from minutes to seconds
Fragmented time blocks ruin deep work
“I forget what I was doing before I even get back”
Visual overload equals lower retention
Difficulty maintaining shared attention
Evidence
Mark, G. (2023). Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity. Hanover Square Press.
Strategic Implications
Encourage attention restoration breaks rather than restrict all media use?
Design deep work rituals or protected zones within digital workspaces?
Explore interface design that slows interaction or spaces out reward triggers?
Implement lightweight digital hygiene guidelines focused on pacing consumption?
Create culture shifts where focus is normalized and rewarded, not just speed?
To address the cognitive strain caused by short-form media, should workplaces:
Sustainability
Student
Social Impact
StudentLoop
Birdflu
Public health
Govt
Farmers
Flu Clue
Contact me
2025 Funmilayo Makinde
Short-Form Media & Workplace Cognition
Exploring how rapid digital content fragments attention, memory, and team collaboration in modern workspaces
Read Paper
Research Focus
This study investigates the cognitive and behavioral impact of short-form video content on digital media (e.g., TikTok, Reels, Shorts) on workplace performance, specifically how rapid media consumption alters attention span, deep thinking, and team dynamics.
Key Research Questions
How does short-form media affect cognitive load and focus during work hours?
What behavioral adaptations are developing in response to frequent content switching?
In what ways does media multitasking contribute to decreased collaboration and productivity?
What coping mechanisms are employees using to balance digital consumption and task execution?
How can organizations manage attention dispersion without restricting autonomy?
Methodology
The research combines:
Literature review of cognitive and behavioral studies (Ophir, Lee, Sweller, Mark, Johnson, et al.)
Analysis of attention span degradation, multitasking behavior, and dopamine reward systems
Synthesis of findings into strategic workplace implications
Mapping of short-form content’s psychological design and its neural impact on work focus
Key Insights
Micro-Procrastination
Team Disconnect
Mental Fatigue
Loss of Flow
Short-form content conditions reactive thinking over sustained focus
I check TikTok when I’m stuck on a slide
Five minutes turns into thirty real quick
Habit loop kicks in between tasks
Meetings feel “rushed” or “surface-level”
Reduced patience for back-and-forth dialogue
“After binging reels, I don’t feel like thinking.”
Multitasking gives room to fatigue
Task engagement drops from minutes to seconds
Fragmented time blocks ruin deep work
“I forget what I was doing before I even get back”
Visual overload equals lower retention
Difficulty maintaining shared attention
Evidence
Mark, G. (2023). Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity. Hanover Square Press.
Strategic Implications
Encourage attention restoration breaks rather than restrict all media use?
Design deep work rituals or protected zones within digital workspaces?
Explore interface design that slows interaction or spaces out reward triggers?
Implement lightweight digital hygiene guidelines focused on pacing consumption?
Create culture shifts where focus is normalized and rewarded, not just speed?
To address the cognitive strain caused by short-form media, should workplaces:
Sustainability
Student
Social Impact
StudentLoop
Birdflu
Public health
Govt
Farmers
Flu Clue
Contact me
2025 Funmilayo Makinde