Psychological Roots of Digital Dependence: How Attachment Anxiety Fuels Short Form Video Addiction

New research links attachment anxiety to video addiction through impaired focus and emotional struggles. Learn why some are more prone to the "endless scroll."

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 30, 2026, 8:36 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Frontiers in Psychology

The Growing Prevalence of Short Form Video Addiction

Short form video addiction (SVA) has emerged as a significant behavioral concern, particularly among university students, with some studies reporting prevalence rates as high as 27%. Characterized by excessive engagement with platforms like TikTok, this condition often leads to a marked decrease in daily productivity and a reliance on digital media as a primary coping mechanism. While external factors like algorithmic recommendations play a role, researchers are increasingly focusing on the internal psychological vulnerabilities that make certain individuals more susceptible to the "endless scroll." This suggests that the platform’s design is only half of the equation, meeting a specific emotional need in the user.

Attachment Theory as a Framework for Digital Overuse

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According to attachment theory, early interactions with caregivers establish long lasting self-regulatory patterns that dictate how an individual manages stress and attention in adulthood. Attachment anxiety (AA) is marked by a deep seated fear of rejection and a constant need for reassurance, which can manifest as a compensatory behavior in digital spaces. For those with high levels of AA, short form videos provide a low risk environment for emotional stimulation and distraction. This behavior serves as a digital surrogate for the security the individual lacks, providing instant, albeit superficial, feedback that temporarily mitigates inner feelings of insecurity.

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