A disturbing new TikTok phenomenon known as 'corecore' is sweeping through British schools and households, creating what experts describe as a potential crisis in young people's attention spans and emotional development.
What Exactly Is Corecore?
Unlike traditional TikTok trends, corecore presents users with rapid-fire montages of seemingly unrelated video clips, soundbites, and imagery that flash across the screen in chaotic succession. This content format, while visually arresting, is raising serious concerns among psychologists and educators across the UK.
The Attention Span Crisis
Dr Eleanor Vance, a developmental psychologist at University College London, explains the worrying implications: "We're witnessing what I call 'digital fragmentation' of young minds. When children consume content that changes every 1-2 seconds, their brains become wired for constant stimulation rather than sustained focus. This directly impacts their ability to concentrate in classrooms and complete homework assignments."
Real Impact on British Youth
Teachers from Manchester to London report increasing difficulties in maintaining student engagement during lessons. Sarah Mitchell, a secondary school teacher from Birmingham, shares: "I've noticed a significant decline in my students' ability to focus on longer texts or complex problems. They become restless after just a few minutes, constantly seeking that quick dopamine hit they're accustomed to from platforms like TikTok."
Beyond Attention: Emotional Consequences
The concerns extend beyond mere concentration issues. The disjointed nature of corecore content can create:
- Increased anxiety and emotional dysregulation
- Difficulty processing complex emotional narratives
- Reduced capacity for empathy and deep connection
- Sleep disturbances linked to late-night scrolling
What Parents Can Do
Digital wellbeing experts recommend several strategies for concerned parents:
- Establish clear screen time boundaries and tech-free zones
- Encourage engagement with longer-form content like books and films
- Have open conversations about digital consumption habits
- Model healthy technology use within the family
As this trend continues to evolve, educators and mental health professionals are calling for greater awareness and proactive measures to protect the cognitive and emotional development of Britain's younger generation.
