Balancing Entertainment and Education: The Dual Impact of Douyin on Chinese University Students' Learning Habits

Abstract

This paper examines the dual impact of Douyin, a popular short video platform, on the learning habits of Chinese university students. With its algorithmic recommendations and accessible content, Douyin offers both educational opportunities and challenges. This research employs a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data, to investigate Douyin's influence on fragmented learning, content diversity, and attention span. Specifically, it explores the platform's potential to facilitate micro-learning and broaden students' academic perspectives through interdisciplinary content. However, the study also highlights critical drawbacks, including distractions that impede focus, the potential loss of deep learning capabilities, and risks associated with unverified content. Key factors such as usage frequency, intrinsic motivation, and self-regulation are discussed to understand how students can maximize the benefits while mitigating adverse effects. The findings underline the need for mindful use of Douyin to achieve a balance between entertainment and education, providing insights for educators and policymakers to integrate digital platforms effectively into modern learning environments.