The illusion of learning on TikTok: Why short clips don't build developer skills

In the digital age, short videos have become a ubiquitous presence, especially among young, tech-savvy audiences. Developers and aspiring programmers often turn to TikTok for quick tutorials and coding tips. However, while the app excels at delivering engaging content in bite-sized portions, there is an underlying "illusion of competence." Users may feel they are mastering programming concepts faster than they actually are, which raises questions about the efficacy of learning complex skills through such a transient medium.

The nature of short videos content for developers

It's a common experience for almost everyone: You're scrolling through social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook, and suddenly, a video pops up. It's about a topic you're interested in—coding, science, math, or foreign languages. Intrigued, you stop to watch because you're keen enough to grasp the content. By the end of the video, there's a sense of pride. You feel as if you've productively used your time, absorbing new knowledge efficiently. But is that really the case?

This feeling of achievement, however gratifying, may be misleading. While these short videos can introduce new concepts and provide quick insights, they often offer only a superficial understanding of the subject. The content is designed to be digestible and entertaining, not comprehensive or deeply educational. The brief engagement with a complex topic gives the illusion of learning—a belief that you've gained a meaningful understanding simply because you've absorbed the video's content.

The content is designed to be digestible and entertaining, not comprehensive or deeply educational.

However, real learning—especially in fields like programming, science, or languages—demands much more than just passive viewing. It requires active engagement: practicing the skills, applying the concepts in various scenarios, and integrating knowledge into your broader understanding. The brief satisfaction from watching a video doesn't equate to the rigorous mental effort needed to truly master a subject.

This gap between perceived and actual learning is significant. It can lead individuals to overestimate their skills and readiness to handle complex tasks. For genuine progress and skill development, deeper and more structured learning methods are necessary. Therefore, while these videos can serve as a convenient starting point or a casual introduction to new topics, they should not replace more detailed studies, practical exercises, and comprehensive exploration if one aims to achieve proficiency.

Programming, much like learning a new language, requires a comprehensive understanding that builds over time through practice, debugging, and revising code. Engaging with short videos about JavaScript arrays or HTML tags can pique interest, but turning this interest into skill requires more than just passive viewing. The platform’s inherent brevity tends to gloss over the deeper nuances necessary for mastery. A video might show how to write a 'for' loop in Python, but it rarely covers why it’s used, when it’s best to use it, or the debugging process when things go wrong.

Cognitive Load Theory and Learning Development Skills

Cognitive Load Theory provides a lens to understand why short videos platforms might not be the best medium for deep learning in software development. This theory argues that our working memory has a limited capacity for new information, which is quickly overwhelmed by TikTok's rapid pace and volume of content. For example, a developer might watch a TikTok video explaining a basic concept in machine learning, but the quick transition to an unrelated video (e.g., a cooking recipe or a dance challenge) can disrupt the cognitive processes needed for the information to be properly consolidated in long-term memory.

The challenge for developers is especially poignant; programming requires a deep understanding of logic and structure, and these cognitive processes are undercut by the fragmented learning experience on social media. This can lead to a superficial grasp of coding principles, where a developer knows something works but can’t troubleshoot or adapt concepts effectively in different contexts. A video might show how to use a library in a project, but without understanding the underlying principles, a developer might struggle to integrate the library into their own projects when unexpected issues arise.

The Distracting Environment of Social Media

The short videos platforms are structured to foster continuous partial attention, thanks to its relentless flow of diverse content. This characteristic is counterproductive for tasks that demand deep focus and sustained attention, like software development. The findings of Uncapher, Thieu and Wagner, as detailed in their 2016 study titled "Media multitasking and memory: Differences in working memory and long-term memory" published in the strongly support this assertion. Their research demonstrates that frequent media multitaskers are notably more prone to distractions. This tendency is especially problematic for developers, who require prolonged periods of focused concentration to address complex coding challenges or to debug sophisticated systems.

For developers watching shor videos, the shift from a video on JavaScript functions to a comedic skit can undermine the mental focus needed for coding. This scattered engagement translates into a reduced ability to concentrate on tasks that require more cognitive effort. The superficial engagement facilitated by short videos can often lead to a fallacy of false competence among developers. This phenomenon occurs when brief exposures to coding concepts through short videos create a misleading sense of mastery or enough competence. Developers might feel confident about their understanding of a topic after watching these short, engaging videos, believing they have acquired sufficient knowledge to tackle related tasks. However, this perceived competence is not always supported by an ability to apply the knowledge effectively in real-world situations.

As someone who enjoys watching English vocabulary videos on social media, I've noticed that although these videos are entertaining and offer quick introductions to new words, they haven't substantially improved my language skills. This experience was somewhat disheartening, highlighting the divide between passive watching and active learning. It underscored the need for more engaged practices to truly adopt and utilize new vocabulary.

How long does real learning take for developers?

True proficiency in programming or any complex skill is not something one can achieve overnight. It requires deliberate practice over extended periods. The concept of spaced repetition and retrieval practice, vital for cementing knowledge, suggests that developers benefit more from structured, repeated engagement with coding problems rather than sporadic exposure to concepts.

Recommendations for effective learning

Combine short videos insights with comprehensive courses 🎬

After watching a useful video, developers should seek out comprehensive online courses that cover the topic in depth. For example, a video on React.js hooks can be followed by enrolling in a full course on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or Pluralsight that delves into all aspects of React development. This provides a structured and thorough understanding of the topic, ensuring that all fundamental concepts are well understood and practical skills are developed.

Implement code immediately in projects 💻

Practical application is key in software development. After learning a new tip or trick, immediately applying it to a real-world project or through coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or GitHub can solidify the knowledge. For instance, if a video demonstrates a Python algorithm, try to implement it in an ongoing project or modify it to solve a similar problem, thereby reinforcing the learning through application.

Adopt the pomodoro technique for focused learning sessions 🍅

To enhance concentration and prevent burnout, developers should use the Pomodoro Technique, which involves 25-minute focused work sessions followed by 5-minute breaks. This technique helps in maintaining high levels of productivity and engagement without overwhelming the cognitive load. It’s particularly effective during long coding sessions or when learning new, complex programming languages.

Read In-depth programming books 📚

Complement quick video tutorials with detailed programming books that offer comprehensive insights into programming concepts and languages. Books will always provide in-depth knowledge that builds a strong foundation, far beyond what short videos can offer. Reading a chapter after watching related videos can deepen understanding and provide a more nuanced view of the subject matter.

Maintain 100% focus during study sessions 👩‍🏫

When engaging in study sessions, especially after being inspired by a TikTok video, it’s crucial to eliminate distractions and maintain 100% focus. This might mean using apps that block social media, working in a quiet environment, and having all necessary tools and resources at hand before starting. The goal is to create an environment that enhances learning efficiency, allowing for deep focus on complex coding tasks and theoretical study.

Conclusion

While short videos can serve as a catalyst for curiosity and provide a glimpse into a wide array of skills, it is not sufficient for developing deep, actionable knowledge in programming. Developers, in particular, need to be wary of the superficial understanding that often accompanies learning through such platforms.

Do you think I should do a TikTok video summaring this article?