Escape the Grip of Algorithm 

Yao Qiuxin 

A 32-year-old Chinese translator in Beijing 

I don’t particularly enjoy mindlessly scrolling through short videos, but I actively seek content that offers new information or knowledge. Recently, when my usual social media app RedNote was flooded with “TikTok refugees,” I encountered a wave of high-quality short videos that showcased China’s rich traditional culture and scenery. These videos, often featuring sophisticated cinematography and innovative camera techniques, sometimes rival the production quality of CCTV, China’s national television broadcaster. In just 15 seconds, they capture the vast expanse of China’s north-to-south landscapes or the intricate costumes and makeup of different dynasties. The comment sections, filled with global “TikTok refugees” and even many Chinese users expressing their desire to visit these places, reflect the videos’ widespread appeal. Personally, I value this kind of informative content. 

However, in daily life, I tend to avoid purely entertaining, time-wasting videos. Even if I do browse them, I usually exit after a few clips. Such content often lacks substance and is repetitive, drawing viewers into passive browsing loops. Moreover, algorithmic recommendations only reinforce existing preferences, creating an “information cocoon.” I’ve felt this first-hand when planning trips. I once told a friend that RedNote almost ruined my travels - everyone was following the same guides, waiting in long lines for the same restaurants, and taking identical photos at the same hotspots. As if we were all NPCs (non-player characters) in a consumerist game, where authentic, spontaneous human connections were replaced by scripted, predictable experiences. 

Instead, I use social media apps as search engines for tutorials and knowledge videos, such as camera tips, outfit inspirations, knitting patterns, and recipes. As a product of the information explosion era, short videos are a legitimate form of content. Sometimes I marvel at how much knowledge is now so readily accessible. Had I had this wealth of information during my school years, I might have better utilised my spare time. Yet, excessive information can also become a burden, consuming much of our waking hours - and even encroaching on our sleep. In today’s information explosion era, perhaps we need more time away from screens, reconnecting with loved ones and pursuing interests that bring simple joys. 

Misuse Can Be Dangerous 

Getahun Assefa Tessema 

A 34-year-old Ethiopian journalist, TV show producer, and host 

Here’s the thing: Short videos are changing everything about how we consume content. One minute, you’re scrolling for fun; the next, you’ve learned a new skill, discovered a fresh perspective, or watched a story that sticks with you. They are fast, visual, and addictive, but that speed is both their strength and their weakness.  

The power of short videos lies in accessibility. Complex ideas, once confined to books or long tutorials, can now be broken down into seconds of digestible content. They turn learning into a game, creativity into a showcase, and distant cultures into something you feel you know personally. For creators, they are a stage with global reach, giving voices that were once unheard a chance to shine. Diversity, originality, and innovation thrive in these short bursts.  

Yet, this convenience comes at a cost. Our attention spans shrink as we chase the next clip. Deep thinking gives way to instant reactions, and knowledge often becomes superficial. The line between information and entertainment blurs, and the more we scroll, the less we pause to truly understand. Short videos are brilliant at grabbing attention, but they can also fragment it, leaving us informed but shallowly so.  

Personally, I find them both inspiring and dangerous. I promote China’s modernisation and strengthen people-to-people bonding in creative and meaningful ways through short videos, and that has produced remarkable outcomes along the way. But I’ve noticed that most people only appreciate the brief glimpse rather than engaging deeply with the longer version ideas I aim to share. It’s a stark reminder of the hypnotic pull of endless scrolling, where minutes slip away without fostering genuine engagement. This is what makes them dangerous.  

In the end, short videos are the heartbeat of modern media. Fast, vivid, and everywhere. They hold incredible potential to educate, connect, and ignite creativity, but only if we use them intentionally. When we engaged mindfully, they become more than entertainment; they are tools for growth, insight, and meaningful connection. But if misused, they risk leaving us entertained but unfed - stimulated yet shallow. The choice, as always, is ours!