Chandigarh: Scrolling through an endless stream of short videos late at night may seem like a quick way to relax, but PGI research shows how algorithm-driven feeds can shape students’ habits, sleep and study routines.A study conducted by Dr Bhavneet Bharti of PGI’s department of paediatrics surveyed 119 young respondents, 77% of them college students aged 18-24, to analyse how platform design influences everyday behaviour.The study explains how social media feeds differ from television programmes, which have fixed schedules and clear starting and stopping points. Modern platforms, in contrast, use personalised recommendation systems that continuously learn from users’ viewing behaviour and serve them more content accordingly.“Features such as infinite scrolling remove the natural ‘stop cues’ found in finite media, setting continuation as the default state. The cycle relies on variable rewards and uncertainty, creating a ‘swipe → reward → again’ loop that reinforces habitual checking driven by cues like boredom or notifications,” said Dr Bhavneet.The study noted that the brain regions responsible for self-regulation and impulse control are still maturing in young people. Algorithm-driven platforms can capitalise on this by providing instant feedback, making it harder for users to disengage. As a result, students may remain caught in scrolling loops long after they had intended to stop.The study also suggested that some of the most effective strategies for cutting screen time involve replacing it with activities such as sports and hobbies.A separate PGI Chandigarh study involving 100 children aged 1-18 found a striking contrast: while children could instantly identify virtual cartoon characters seen on television or the internet, many struggled to identify common birds around them beyond four species: parrots, mynas, peacocks and crows.Survey Data & NumbersMain Platforms UsedInstagram: 85% of users (101 students)YouTube: 44 usersSnapchat: 43 usersFacebook: 19 usersWhatsApp: 1 userDaily Screen Time on Short VideosLess than 30 minutes: 13.4%30 to 60 minutes: 22.7%1 to 2 hours: 28.6%2 to 4 hours: 26.9%More than 4 hours: 8.4%Common Habits & FeelingsOpening apps automatically: 34.5%Getting distracted from studies: 33.6%Losing track of time: 31.1%Finding it hard to stop: 26.9%Feeling bored without reels: 25.2%Feeling unhappy or anxious after watching: 22.7%How Students Try to Reduce Screen TimeStaying busy with work or study: 21.4%Sports or physical activities: 16.5%Setting digital app limits: 14.6%Self-control & mindset: 12.6%Spending time with family and friends: 9.7%Hobbies: 6.8%
