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With the recent surge of new and updated social media apps like Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and Threads, many people are finding themselves glued to their phones, endlessly scrolling through short videos or ‘reels.’
This trend has led to a rise in content creation and consumption, particularly among youth and middle-aged individuals.
A ‘reel’ is a short-form video format popularized by social media.
According to Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, reels are described as fun and engaging short videos up to 90 seconds long that allow users to create, edit and share creative content.
They often feature music, filters, effects and interactive elements, making them a central tool for entertainment and storytelling in the digital age.
These videos are designed to grab attention quickly, encouraging viewers to keep scrolling through endless streams of content. This format has become a major driver of user engagement, particularly among younger audiences, due to its immersive and visually dynamic nature.
A study by researchers at The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University in China has found a notable link between excessive bedtime viewing of short videos and increased cases of high blood pressure (hypertension) among young and middle-aged people.
Longer screen time
The study analysed data from 4,318 individuals who reported their screen time spent watching short videos before sleep and underwent medical examinations between January and September 2023. The findings revealed that longer screen time at bedtime was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension.
The researchers emphasized the need for ‘strict control of screen time spent watching short videos at bedtime’ to mitigate this risk.
In Kenya, social media usage has grown significantly. As of December 2024, there were 17 million Facebook users in Kenya, representing 28.5 per cent of the population.
The majority (56.5 per cent) were men, with individuals aged 18 to 24 forming the largest user group at 38.2 per cent. Additionally, Instagram had about 3.2 million users, with a nearly equal gender distribution. Notably, 45.7 per cent of Instagram users were aged 18 to 24.
“The screen time spent watching short videos at bedtime was associated with essential hypertension in young and middle-aged people,” said the research team, in the paper published in the BMC Public Health journal.
Hypertension prevalence in Kenya estimates are high, ranging from 12.6 per cent to 36.9 per cent, with higher rates in urban areas.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high blood pressure affects 1.3 billion adults aged 30 to 79 worldwide, making it one of the most risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
WHO says hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide and addressing it requires regular health screenings, reducing salt intake and promoting physical activity.
Given these findings, it’s crucial for individuals to monitor and limit their screen time, especially before bedtime.
Health experts recommend adopting healthier lifestyle habits, such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet low in sodium and routine health screenings, to manage and prevent hypertension.
As social media continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay mindful of its impact on health and prioritize habits that promote long-term well-being.
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