YouTube Co-Founder Warns Short-Form Video Harms Kids' Attention Spans

YouTube co-founder Steve Chen has raised concerns about the influence of short-form video content on children's cognitive development, stating in a recent talk at Stanford Graduate School of Business that it "equates to shorter attention spans." Chen, who previously served as the platform’s chief technology officer before its acquisition by Google in 2006, shared his views in a video published on YouTube, where he noted he is intentionally limiting his children’s exposure to such content [1].

Chen criticized the current trend in digital media, particularly the rise of platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, which prioritize rapid, visually engaging content designed to capture and hold attention for seconds rather than minutes. He suggested that companies distributing short-form video—YouTube included—should implement safeguards for younger users, such as age restrictions and time limits, to mitigate the risk of addictive behaviors [1].

His comments align with a broader shift in the tech industry, as more companies adopt short-form content strategies in response to the success of platforms like TikTok. However, Chen emphasized the need to balance engagement with the production of “actually useful” content, warning that the current focus on user retention can come at the expense of long-term cognitive development [1].

Chen also highlighted a personal parenting approach that involves exposing children to longer-form content early on. He explained that if children are not exposed to short-form media from an early age, they tend to adapt well to longer content. This strategy, he said, has worked effectively for him and other parents he has spoken to [1].

The issue is not unique to YouTube. Other tech leaders have also spoken out. Sam Altman of OpenAI has warned that the “dopamine hit” of short-form content can “mess with kids’ brain development in a super deep way.” Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), has acknowledged that he may have made a mistake by not imposing stricter social media limits on his children and now encourages parents to take a more active role in monitoring their kids’ online habits [1].

Chen’s remarks reflect a growing concern within the tech sector about the ethical responsibilities of platform designers. As short-form content continues to dominate user engagement metrics, his call for proactive measures—rather than reactive ones—highlights the tension between business goals and long-term user well-being. While some platforms have introduced screen-time management tools, the industry’s current priorities suggest that engagement remains the primary focus [1].

Source: [1] Fortune, YouTube’s cofounder and former tech boss doesn’t want his kids to watch short videos... https://fortune.com/2025/07/29/youtube-cofounder-steve-chen-short-form-video-tiktok-kid-safety/