The Dark Side of Flow: Passive Flow State, Metacognitive Bias, and Compulsive Use of Short-Form Videos

This study examines why short-form videos (SFVs) in social media foster compulsive use by reconceptualizing flow in low-effort digital environments. While prior research has primarily highlighted flow’s optimal facets, this study argues that in passive media contexts, flow may also embody maladaptive qualities. Drawing on dual-process theory, SFV engagement is conceptualized as predominantly driven by intuitive processing in System 1 (heuristic processing related), through which flow weakens self-control monitoring of System 2 (systematic processing related). To capture the underlying psychological mechanisms, flow is reconceptualized as a passive psychological state comprising both immersive and maladaptive dimensions (i.e., concentration, enjoyment, telepresence, heightened arousal, affective reliance, and loss of self-reflection). In addition, the desirability- and feasibility-related cues embedded in digital environments are examined as heuristic triggers of passive flow state, while overestimation of self-control is conceptualized as a critical mediator linking flow to compulsive use. Survey data from 842 SFV users were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings revealed that overestimation of self-control emerges as the strongest driver of compulsive use, exceeding the total effect of flow. Flow is found to both directly impact compulsive SFV use and indirectly through increasing the overestimation of self-control. At the subdimensional level, flow’s dimensions exert divergent effects, with concentration, telepresence, and affective reliance significantly intensifying compulsive use and/or overestimation of self-control. By integrating a dual-process perspective with a multidimensional conceptualization of flow, this study advances understanding of how passive flow state fosters metacognitive bias and compulsive engagement, offering theoretical and practical insights to promote more sustainable digital environments that support users’ well-being.