Transform Your YouTube Experience: Is the New Feature the Solution to Doomscrolling?

YouTube is testing a new feature that could help users avoid endless scrolling through Shorts. With short-form videos becoming wildly popular, apps like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels are racing to attract users, especially with TikTok facing potential bans in the U.S.

In this competitive landscape, YouTube has introduced several enhancements, including the option for longer three-minute videos and plans for an in-app video editor. Meanwhile, Instagram Reels is experimenting with privacy options and features like a pause button for videos.

Recently, a report from Android Authority revealed that a daily timer for YouTube Shorts might be coming soon. This feature would allow users to set a specific time limit for scrolling. Once the limit is reached, the app could pause scrolling while still allowing access to individual Shorts from other sections of the platform, like recommendations or favorite creators’ channels.

This move seems timely given recent discussions around “doomscrolling,” a habit where users get lost in an endless loop of content, which can lead to negative mental health effects. A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day significantly improved overall well-being and reduced feelings of anxiety and loneliness.

YouTube’s potential timer feature also comes amid TikTok’s existing screen time settings. TikTok allows users to set daily limits easily. For younger users aged 13 to 17, these limits are even stricter, ensuring they have a maximum of one hour of screen time by default.

While it’s unclear when or if YouTube will launch this feature, the company is clearly exploring ways to promote healthier usage habits. This shift reflects a growing awareness in the tech industry about the impact of social media on users’ mental well-being.

For those eager to manage their time on these platforms, finding similar tools—like TikTok’s built-in timers—has become essential. Taking control can lead to a more enjoyable and balanced experience with social media.

For further insights into screen time impacts and data on mental health, check out reports from trusted sources like the American Psychological Association.



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