Short-form video usage and cognitive function among rural older adults in northern China: a cross-sectional study

The increasing popularity of short-form video platforms, particularly among older adults, prompts questions about their impact on cognitive health. This study examines the association between short-form video use and cognitive function among rural older adults in northern China, a demographic often overlooked in digital media research.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Xia County, Shanxi Province, China, from April to June 2024. Community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older were selected using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Cognitive function was evaluated via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale, assessing domains such as memory and attention. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews, and multivariate linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between short-form video use and cognitive function, controlling for potential confounders.

Among the 1,501 participants, 818 (54.4%) were regular short-form video users. After adjusting for confounders, multivariate analysis revealed a positive association between short-form video use and cognitive scores. Subgroup analyses indicated stronger associations among individuals who were less engaged in other cognitive activities, such as reading or watching TV. Additionally, users who viewed short-form videos for information-seeking, social connection, and educational purposes, or those who actively interacted with the content, exhibited even higher cognitive performance.

Short-form video usage is prevalent among rural Chinese older adults and is positively associated with cognitive performance, particularly for those with limited access to alternative activities, although causality cannot be inferred due to the cross-sectional design. This study highlights an understudied association and emphasizes the need to include marginalized rural populations in digital health and cognitive aging research.