YouTube's cofounder says the biggest problem with videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels is: They are just for…
Steve Chen warns that
short-form video
platforms like
TikTok
and
Instagram Reels
are creating dangerous viewing habits in children, arguing that these bite-sized clips are "purely entertainment" designed only for momentary consumption rather than meaningful engagement.
Speaking at Stanford Business School on Friday, Chen expressed deep concerns about platforms that prioritize content under 15 minutes, saying they condition young viewers to lose the ability to focus on longer, more substantial material. The father of two, who helped launch YouTube in 2005 before selling it to Google, specifically called out the addictive nature of short videos.
Former YouTube CTO calls for platform responsibility in child safety
Chen, who served as YouTube's chief technology officer before moving to Taiwan in 2019, highlighted the tension between user engagement and actual utility. He emphasized that while TikTok succeeds as entertainment, its ephemeral nature contributes to shortened attention spans among young users.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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The entrepreneur's concerns reflect broader academic research linking social media use to declining attention spans and increased anxiety among youth, prompting calls for greater industry accountability in protecting developing minds.
Tech leaders unite against short-form content's impact on youth
Chen's warnings align with growing concerns from other tech luminaries about social media's effect on developing minds. OpenAI CEO
Sam Altman
recently described short video feeds as "messing with kids' brain development in a super deep way," while NYU professor
Jonathan Haidt
argued to Business Insider that social media apps are "severely damaging children in the Western world."
The YouTube cofounder noted that some parents are now deliberately avoiding content with vibrant colors and "addictive eyeballs" – visual elements specifically designed to hook young viewers. He suggested that platforms should implement daily time restrictions based on age groups to protect children from overconsumption.
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