In the United Kingdom, a study conducted by Ofcom reveals that the viewing habits of the youngest have gradually shifted towards subjects that highlight gossip and controversy.
According to the organization, 96% of young people between the ages of 3 and 17 use video-sharing sites and applications. If the figure is not so surprising, computers and smartphones having become essential, the content watched can however raise questions. And, even more, the study sheds light on a new viewing habit that is… puzzling.
Popular platforms
Contrary to what one might have thought, teenagers publish less and less personal content. A third of them would still be ready to do so, against the trends of the 2010s. This evolution should continue, because many of them say that they hardly ever interact with the publications of their relatives and friends.
This does not mean, however, that platforms such as Snapchat or TikTok are abandoned. The latter continues to grow in popularity. The Chinese platform reaches nearly 50% of 8-11 year olds and 80% of 12-17 year olds. On the YouTube side, it is still used by nine out of ten young people, mainly via YouTube Kids. If we already knew that more and more children have access to the Internet at an earlier age, in particular thanks to smartphones, their viewing habits are however alarming.
Content optimized for engagement
Indeed, among children and teenagers surveyed by Ofcom, favorite videos deal with gossip, conflict, controversy or challenges involving large sums of money. Often preferred as ” comments » or « reactions “, they are increasingly fueling rivalries between influencers, like reality TV shows.
This content is designed to grab and hold attention, while creating engagement without requiring much effort or focus to be understood by viewers. They also favor a short format and use ” a distinct and challenging style of editing designed to create maximum dramatic effect », Analyzes Ofcom. A trend that fits perfectly with the approach of TikTok and Snapchat, but also Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
Focus 3.0
However, the study suggests another trend that is progressing slowly but surely. More and more young people would watch multiple videos simultaneously on multiple screens, or split a single screen into two. While in some cases the two contents may be related, in others they are two completely different topics. Children surveyed reveal difficulty concentrating on one on-screen activity at a time, evidencing years of concerns over heavy use of certain types of content and apps.
Yet half of 16-24 year olds think they spend too much time on social media. They would also be quite inclined to take more or less long deliberate breaks, and to seek out online content and services to promote their well-being. All is not lost then? Yes and no, because we can see in all this addictive behaviors that are already making young victims around the world.
Source : Ofcom, Neowin
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