AI video tools could deepen social media addiction: Expert | Daily Sabah
The AI Video Revolution and Its Social Media Takeover
Artificial intelligence is weaving itself into the very fabric of our online visual experiences, with expert Nicklas Brendborg noting that AI already influences most videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This transformation is accelerating with the launch of tools like OpenAI's Sora app, which enables users to create everything from anime-style clips to hyper-realistic scenes with a simple prompt. The appeal is undeniable, tapping into a deep-seated human desire to witness and share the extraordinary, but it risks flooding feeds with what critics call "AI slop"—content that prioritizes algorithmic engagement over authentic human creativity.
The rapid adoption of such tools by major players, including Meta's Vibes product, signals a pivotal shift. These platforms are designed to be highly personalized, using recommendation algorithms to serve an endless stream of AI-generated videos based on past engagement. As Brendborg and other observers warn, this creates a perfect storm for deepening existing social media habits, where the line between user-generated and AI-fabricated content blurs, making it harder to disengage.
Decoding Addiction: From Casual Overuse to Clinical Dependence
To understand the risk, it's crucial to distinguish between high screen time and genuine addiction. Clinical definitions, like those in the DSM-V, outline criteria such as tolerance, cravings, withdrawal, and continued use despite negative consequences—principles observed in substance use disorders. Research indicates that similar reward pathways in the brain are activated during compulsive social media checking, suggesting that the ease of access and short-term dopamine hits from videos can foster addictive behaviors.
The Role of Mental Health Correlations
Studies, including those from the NIH, show a high prevalence of co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD among individuals with extensive screen exposure. However, correlation doesn't imply causation; while excessive use may exacerbate mental health issues, it can also stem from pre-existing struggles, as people might turn to screens for connection or relief. This complexity underscores why simply labeling all heavy use as "addiction" is insufficient—it's the functional impairment and loss of control that truly define the problem.
Personalized Feeds and the Doomscrolling Trap
AI video tools amplify addiction risks by optimizing for endless engagement. OpenAI's own blog post acknowledges concerns about "doomscrolling, addiction, isolation, and reinforcement learning-optimized feeds." When apps like Sora or Vibes curate content based on what keeps users watching longest, they create a feedback loop. As noted by experts like Jose Marichal, the compelling, often implausible nature of AI-generated videos—from fake disaster reports to cartoon escapades—hooks users by playing on our curiosity, making it difficult to log off.
This personalization means every scroll is tailored to individual preferences, reducing the likelihood of boredom and increasing the time spent in-app. The result is a normalized state of constant consumption, where users may find themselves sacrificing sleep, work, or real-world interactions without realizing the cumulative impact on their wellbeing.
When Algorithms Become Friends: Emotional Attachments to AI
Beyond passive viewing, AI is fostering new forms of emotional dependency. A joint MIT and OpenAI study revealed that some heavy ChatGPT users develop problematic attachments, treating the chatbot as a friend or even using pet names. This parasocial relationship dynamic is now extending to video tools, where AI-generated personas or narratives can feign empathy and engagement. In a society grappling with loneliness, these algorithms risk becoming digital crutches, offering simulated companionship that deepens isolation from genuine human connections.
The Vice report highlights how emotional involvement grows with usage, regardless of intent—whether for support or entertainment. As AI videos become more interactive and personalized, they could mirror this trend, encouraging users to form bonds with fabricated characters or scenarios, further entrenching addictive patterns.
Broader Consequences: Erosion of Trust and Democratic Health
The stakes extend beyond individual addiction to societal well-being. When AI-generated content dominates social media feeds, it degrades the information ecosystem. Marichal cautions that an overload of engaging but false or misleading videos can lead to polarized skepticism or unwarranted certainty, undermining collective decision-making. In essence, a feed saturated with AI "slop" threatens the foundations of liberal democracy by distorting reality and eroding public trust.
OpenAI has responded with measures like polling users on wellbeing and biasing recommendations toward friends' content, but these steps may be inadequate against the structural pull of addiction-driven design. The concern is that without robust safeguards, AI tools could normalize a world where manipulation through personalized video becomes commonplace, prioritizing engagement over truth.
Navigating the AI-Saturated Social Landscape
Addressing this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach. First, recognizing that improvement is a gradual process—focusing on overall well-being and functional status is more practical than demanding total abstinence. Guidance from health experts suggests strategies like setting screen-time limits, curating feeds to include more human-generated content, and seeking offline connections to balance digital consumption.
Embracing Quality Over Quantity
Research emphasizes that screen quality often matters more than quantity. Users can mitigate risks by critically evaluating sources, favoring authentic interactions, and using built-in app features to adjust feed preferences. Platforms, in turn, must prioritize ethical design, such as incorporating breaks or transparency about AI origins, to foster healthier engagement rather than exploiting addictive tendencies.
Innovative Insights for a Balanced Digital Future
The integration of AI into social media is inevitable, but its trajectory isn't predetermined. By learning from past cycles of tech addiction—from gaming to social scrolling—we can advocate for tools that enhance creativity without compromising mental health. Innovations might include AI that promotes diverse viewpoints or encourages real-world action, shifting from passive consumption to active participation. Ultimately, the goal is to harness AI's potential for connection and art while safeguarding against the depths of dependency, ensuring that our digital evolution enriches rather than diminishes the human experience.