Shorts and Reels: The Spiritual Time Bomb on Social Media

You're scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, and there they are: shorts, reels, quick clips that aim to "convey" everything in 15 to 60 seconds—from the ultimate healing tip to enlightenment. But let's pause and question what these mini-videos are really doing to your brain and consciousness. Spoiler: They're an absolute disaster. And no, this isn't some spiritual high horse—this is science.

The Science Behind It: How Shorts Hijack Your Brain

Short clips are designed to make your brain addicted—literally. Studies show that these rapid-fire contents overstimulate the brain's reward system and can cause lasting damage:

• Dopamine Flooding: Each time you watch a new video, you get a small dopamine hit. This is the same neurotransmitter released during drug use. The constant dopamine release leads your brain to crave ever shorter and more exciting content. The result? Your attention span shrinks to that of a goldfish.

  Psychologie des Médias Sociaux

  
  

• The Problem of Instant Gratification: Your brain gets used to being rewarded within seconds. Great for entertainment, disastrous for your mental development. Why? Because real healing, meditation, and spiritual growth require time and depth.

  Whitebeard Strategies

  
  

• Impact on Your Nervous System: Shorts and reels put you in a state of constant overstimulation. Your brain jumps from one stimulus to the next without ever truly resting. The consequence? Your nervous system remains stuck in fight-or-flight mode, exacerbating stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

  Essai UTwente

  
  

What Does This Have to Do with Spirituality?

Now you might think, "Okay, but what does this have to do with spiritual content?" Everything. Because when spiritual "teachers" or healers use shorts to convey their messages, they contradict the essence of what spirituality truly is: depth, awareness, connection.

Here's the problem: Trying to pack spiritual content into 15 seconds is like trying to squeeze an ocean into a puddle. It may seem appealing at first glance, but it remains shallow and superficial. And worse: It plays right into the system that makes you addicted, unfocused, and energetically drained.

And honestly? The "spiritual" person who churns out shorts en masse is a prick. They're not concerned about your well-being but about clicks, views, and monetization. Think about whether you really want to trust someone like that. I don't have Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, and for good reason. My work isn't about reach but about depth.

Why I Reject Shorts

I refuse to package spiritual content into a format that manipulates your brain and reduces your consciousness to a quick dopamine fix. Spirituality isn't a fast-food meal you consume in 15 seconds. It's a process, a journey—something that deserves time, space, and attention.

Shorts may be good for reach, but they're bad for you. They destroy the ability to be mindful, the foundation of any spiritual practice. And they promote the kind of superficiality we actually want to leave behind.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

• Conscious Consumption: Set firm boundaries for your social media use. Use platforms mindfully and avoid shorts that only aim to keep you on the app longer.

• Prefer Longer Formats: Seek out content that offers depth. Podcasts, long blog articles, or conversations provide more value than a 15-second clip.

• Reflect on Your Consumption: Ask yourself, "Why am I watching this? Does it really bring me anything?" Often you'll find that shorts have nothing to do with your growth.

• Promote Genuine Focus: Read a book, go into nature, or listen to longer meditations. Your brain will thank you.

  
  

Conclusion: Shorts Are the Antithesis of Spirituality

If you truly want to develop, then stay away from shorts and reels. They make you addicted, unfocused, and tear your nervous system apart. True spirituality needs space—and that doesn't fit into 15 seconds.

I know this may sound uncomfortable, especially if you're already caught in this cycle. But think about it: Do you really want to waste your energy on something that manipulates and drains you? Or do you want someone who doesn't sell out for clicks but is genuinely interested in your growth? The choice is yours.