Addiction Is Hard to Shake Off! Are Short Dramas Like Opium Making People Dumber?

Short dramas are akin to opium, leading many viewers to become addicted and less intelligent. (People News/AI-generated image)

[People News] Does watching short dramas truly lead to addiction and a decline in intelligence? Recently, the phrase 'short dramas reduce intelligence' surged to the top of Weibo's trending topics, with numerous netizens expressing their frustrations that the more they watch these dramas, the more addicted they become, and their mental faculties seem to diminish.

Mainland netizens: Short dramas are 'electronic drugs'

There has been a lively discussion among mainland netizens regarding addiction to short dramas (micro-dramas), showcasing a genuine, contradictory, and self-deprecating attitude. Many netizens refer to these short dramas as 'electronic drugs,' 'mental opium,' or 'legally compliant brain massages.'

Knowing it's trash but unable to stop

Many netizens confess they have fallen into a 'low-level pleasure death cycle.'

They describe short dramas as highly effective 'dopamine fast food' and 'targeted brain massages.' Each episode lasts only 1 to 2 minutes, with a conflict introduced in the first 10 seconds and a satisfying moment (a 'face slap') within 30 seconds, leaving no room for viewers to think or catch their breath. 'Even though I know the plot is ridiculous and the acting is awkward, my brain doesn't have to work at all; as long as it's enjoyable, that's all that matters.'

The most common comment from netizens is, 'I planned to lie down and watch for 5 minutes, but when I looked up, two hours had passed.' Many office workers and students lament that short dramas have become the primary culprit in consuming their pre-sleep and relaxation time.

Specifically targeting the lower class and the elderly

In addition to self-deprecating comments about their own addiction, netizens also strongly criticise the commercial strategies and content quality of the short drama industry.

Netizens have identified four major themes in short dramas: 'God of War descending to earth/invisible rich', 'tearing apart scumboys and cheap girls/dominant CEOs', 'exquisite relatives/mother-in-law and daughter-in-law battles', and 'time travel counterattack'. Many viewers have expressed frustration, stating that 'after watching a hundred episodes, they realise it's essentially the same script with different faces.' 

The most significant controversy among netizens revolves around the 'micro-transaction charging trap (micro short drama harvesting machine)'. They report that while the first few episodes of a short drama are free, once viewers reach a critical climax (such as the moment before a slap), they are forced to pay, often spending dozens or even hundreds of yuan in a single night without realising it. 'Binge-watching a short drama can end up costing more than a movie ticket or even a VIP annual pass at the cinema.' Many netizens have complained that elderly family members have been misled by short drama advertisements, leading to deductions of thousands of yuan over the course of a month.

Life is tough, and people are seeking low-cost ways to relieve stress.

Additionally, many are analysing from a social psychology perspective why short dramas have gained such rapid popularity in mainland China.

1. 'A substitute for extreme repression and fatigue'

Numerous office workers (working individuals) have stated that after facing internal competition, overtime, and the pressures of daily life, they lack the energy to engage with traditional serious dramas or lengthy films that require thought and have a slower pace when they return home. 'Real life is already stifling enough; the exhilarating counterattacks and instant justice portrayed in short dramas offer an emotional outlet for everyone.'

2. 'Extreme adaptation to fast-paced lifestyles'

Netizens highlight that in the age of short videos, people's attention spans have become highly fragmented, making short dramas perfectly suited to modern viewers' preferences for 'only needing the climax without the beginning or end.'

Recent reports indicate that numerous established film and television companies and platforms (such as Douyin, Kuaishou, and Tencent) have begun to venture into the short drama market to capitalise on its popularity. Observers have noted that these short dramas are becoming increasingly 'refined,' with high-quality productions and profound themes emerging in the micro-drama genre.

Nevertheless, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has maintained strict surveillance over the internet, and short dramas are no exception to this scrutiny. This raises the question: will the short dramas produced by these established companies turn into tools for CCP propaganda, aligning with the Party's mainstream narrative to indoctrinate the public?

The attitude of mainland netizens towards short dramas can be encapsulated in twelve words: 'watching while cursing, enjoying while watching, regretting after enjoyment.' These dramas serve as both an 'emotional anaesthetic' for modern individuals grappling with significant life pressures and a prime example of how technology and capital exploit human vulnerabilities.

Some users have expressed that they initially intended to watch short dramas for relaxation, but once they started scrolling, they found it hard to stop, losing interest in reading and exercising.

Others had originally planned to learn English, edit videos, and work out, but now they find themselves scrolling through short dramas whenever they have free time, feeling that their 'brains are getting dumber,' and deciding to uninstall the apps immediately.

Short Dramas as 'Electronic Opium'

In the comments section, many users resonate with these sentiments; some report deteriorating attention spans, while others label short dramas as 'electronic opium' or 'new electronic drugs.'

Numerous mainland netizens have shared their phone usage records, revealing that they spend over 10 hours a day watching short dramas. The rapid succession of plot twists, coupled with autoplay and algorithmic recommendations, compels viewers to continue watching the next episode immediately after finishing one.

In addition to being unable to stop, many viewers also express dissatisfaction with the storylines.

Many people claim that AI-generated short dramas are ubiquitous online these days, with the content being nearly identical; it seems that 8 out of 10 are produced from the same template.

Additionally, some internet users express concerns that these short dramas prioritise entertainment at the expense of deeper engagement, affecting not only adults but potentially having an even greater impact on children. The habit of binge-watching late into the night can even encroach on time that could be spent thinking.

So, does binge-watching short dramas truly affect the brain?

In reality, addiction to electronic devices (also referred to as digital addiction or screen addiction) poses a widespread and serious challenge for modern society. It can lead individuals to unknowingly enter a vicious cycle driven by the brain's dopamine system, characterised by "seeking stimulation—achieving temporary satisfaction—experiencing anxiety or emptiness—scrolling through their phones again," which ultimately undermines concentration, productivity, and overall quality of life.

What exactly is addiction?

According to the Taipei City Government's official website, addiction is defined as a state of imbalance in the brain and mind, where individuals are aware that certain behaviours or substances can lead to negative consequences, yet they find themselves unable to resist the urge to repeatedly pursue and rely on them.

1. Loss of control: The individual experiences an intense craving for the substance, and despite knowing they should stop or attempt to quit, they repeatedly fail to do so.

2. Continuing despite awareness of harm: The behaviour has significantly harmed their physical health, mental well-being, relationships, work, or finances, yet they cannot bring themselves to stop.

3. Extreme emotional swings: Research in psychology and physiology suggests that addiction is often not merely about pleasure, but rather a vicious cycle of "extreme suffering when the substance is unavailable, and intense pleasure when it is obtained."

The conversation around addiction to electronic products began in the 1970s and 1980s, focusing on 'personal computers and video game addiction.' It became a recognised psychological issue in 1995-1996 with the introduction of 'Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD),' and has since evolved into the 'addiction to screens and algorithms' that everyone must confront today, particularly following the widespread adoption of smartphones in 2007.

A study conducted by the University of Bristol's School of Psychological Science revealed that the tendency to 'constantly switch content' while watching short dramas may impair prospective memory, which is the ability to remember intended actions. This research is scheduled for publication in 2025 in the prestigious psychology journal 'Memory.'

Similarly, researchers at the School of Psychology at Sigmund Freud Private University in Austria found that participants who watched more than 4 hours of short videos each day displayed abnormal neural activity and cognitive irregularities. This study is set to be published in the international academic journal 'Life' in 2024.

In a neuroscience study led by Professor Hu Yuzheng's team at Zhejiang University, 56 healthy young adults with an average age of about 23 underwent scans using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS) while lying in an MRI machine and watching a series of short videos.

The findings indicated that when participants swiped away from the screen before the video had reached its halfway point, two brain regions associated with cognitive task execution showed increased activity compared to when they watched the entire video. This study will be published in the July 2026 issue of 'NeuroImage.'

Zou Ying, a psychologist at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, told 'China Blue News' that the frequent plot twists and suspense in short dramas continuously stimulate dopamine levels, putting the brain in a state of passive excitement and overactivity. This can lead to brain fatigue, negatively impacting concentration and comprehension abilities.

She explained that while watching short dramas, the brain is not truly resting; it simply shifts to a different mode of operation. The depletion of dopamine reserves can make it difficult to concentrate and slow down comprehension speed.

The health risks of addiction to electronic products

According to media reports, addiction to electronic products (screen addiction/digital addiction) is not just a simple case of 'wasting time'; it has far-reaching and systemic negative effects on various aspects of an individual's life, including physiological, psychological, work and study, and social relationships:

1. Effects on physiological health: organ strain and disrupted daily routines

Firstly, sleep disorders and chronic fatigue arise because the blue light emitted by screens inhibits the brain's production of melatonin, disrupting circadian rhythms. This can lead to difficulties falling asleep (insomnia), insufficient sleep depth, and disrupted sleep cycles, which over time can develop into chronic fatigue and weakened immunity.

Secondly, vision and eye diseases

Extended periods of close-range screen viewing can easily lead to 'Digital Eye Strain', with symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, and eye inflammation, and can accelerate the progression of myopia.

Thirdly, musculoskeletal strain (postural injuries)

Prolonged use of mobile phones while looking down can exert significant pressure on the cervical spine, resulting in conditions such as 'text neck,' inflammation of the shoulder and neck muscles, and spinal curvature. In severe cases, this can lead to cervical disc herniation or nerve compression.

Moreover, a sedentary lifestyle significantly raises the risk of chronic diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.

2. Psychological and Mental Health Effects: Fragmented Attention and Emotional Disorders

Fragmentation of Attention in the Brain

Short videos (like TikTok and Reels) and dynamic notifications provide frequent and intense stimulation, training the brain to seek 'instant gratification.' This disrupts the ability to engage in deep thinking, making it challenging for individuals to read lengthy articles, watch long videos, or perform deep work.

Anxiety, Depression, and Feelings of Emptiness

Social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO): Observing others' seemingly perfect lives on social media can trigger feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, heightening anxiety and depressive feelings.

When individuals step away from their phones, dopamine levels in the brain drop sharply, leading to heightened irritability, anxiety, and a sense of emptiness. This reaction is typical of withdrawal symptoms.

Diminished Emotional Regulation: Prolonged reliance on digital stimuli can impair the function of the brain's prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational thought and self-control, making individuals more impulsive, irritable, and impatient.

3. Impact on Work and Learning: Decline in Productivity and Execution Ability

Severe procrastination and executive function disorders occur when individuals face challenging or mentally demanding work or study tasks. In such situations, the brain instinctively opts for the low-effort pleasure of 'scrolling on the phone', resulting in significant procrastination and drastically reduced efficiency.

Deep learning and memory decline arise when the brain frequently switches between pages and processes fragmented information. This constant distraction hampers the effective conversion of information into long-term memory, negatively impacting knowledge absorption, integration, and innovative thinking capabilities.

Career and academic risks manifest as work errors, distractions during meetings, and declining exam performance due to lack of focus. These issues directly affect an individual's long-term performance and development in both professional and academic settings.

4. Interpersonal Relationships and Social Influence: Emotional Alienation and Disconnection from Reality

When individuals frequently check their phones during face-to-face conversations with friends, family, or partners, it conveys the message that 'the content on the phone is more important than you', which severely undermines mutual trust and intimacy.

Moreover, an over-reliance on text messages and symbolic communication diminishes one's ability to interpret facial expressions, body language, and engage in spontaneous conversations in real life. This can result in social anxiety and feelings of isolation.

The core of addiction to electronic devices lies in how technology companies exploit algorithms and brain mechanisms to capture individual attention and control. This shift transforms people from 'users of the product' into 'subjects dominated by the product', ultimately eroding focus, physical health, and authentic emotional connections in real life. △