The rise of short-form media platforms like TikTok has revolutionised the way people consume information, but at what cost? Tapping, swiping, and scrolling through the endless expanse of social media seem to have a direct impact on the attention span of youth. This study, therefore, sets out to examine the influence of TikTok on the attention span of Nigerian youths. This paper gained support from the Cultivation and Uses and Gratification as theoretical underpinnings. With a sample size of 278 participants, the study employed a descriptive survey using a purposive sampling technique to examine the consumption patterns, context, and effects of short-form media content on attention span. Findings reveal that TikTok has a compelling allure that might not only be draining youth’s attention, but also rewiring their brains to crave instant gratification. The study further discovers that frequent users of TikTok are more likely to report losing track of time, neglecting face-to-face conversations, and struggling to focus on tasks that require sustained mental effort. The correlation analysis reveals a significant link between TikTok usage and decreased ability to focus. The prioritisation of ephemeral entertainment over attention span among youth demographics poses a systemic risk to the intellectual capital of society, potentially eroding the capacity for sophisticated discourse and the cultivation of meaningful social bonds. The study recommends that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) should create more awareness among the general public, especially the youths, on the effects short-form media content can have on the cognitive capacity of its users to handle complex tasks. It further recommends that individuals should be more conscious about the manner in which they handle short-form media content. This study concludes that educators, policymakers, and parents should rethink their approach in engaging the youths on the impact of short-form media content and encourage sustained focus on tasks that require undivided attention for enhanced productivity among youths in the digital age.