By skyforbes 
Be honest: when was the last time you watched a full 10-minute YouTube video without touching your phone?
If your thumb automatically twitches toward TikTok or Instagram Reels every few seconds, you’re not alone. In fact, studies suggest our average attention span is now shorter than a goldfish’s 8 seconds.
Scary? Absolutely. But it’s not entirely your fault — apps are rewiring your brain to crave dopamine hits like candy.
1. Dopamine on Demand
Every scroll, like, or funny video gives your brain a tiny dopamine reward. The more you scroll, the more your brain expects instant gratification — leaving you restless during anything “slow.”
2. The Goldfish Myth Isn’t a Joke Anymore
While the goldfish stat started as a meme, research shows that constant digital stimulation really is reducing our ability to focus deeply. You’re not lazy — your brain is being hacked.
3. The Infinite Scroll Trap
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram use infinite feeds designed to keep you scrolling forever. There’s no natural stopping point, so your brain doesn’t know when to quit.