<p>The exponential increase in short-form video platforms has raised concerns about their potential to foster problematic usage patterns, particularly among individuals with preexisting psychological vulnerabilities. In response to these concerns, the present study investigated the underlying psychological mechanism linking adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) tendencies to overdependence on short-form video content, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of emotional dysregulation. Two hundred university students aged 19–30 years who reported watching short-form videos at least 2–3 times per week participated in the study. Standardized self-report instruments were used to assess adult ADHD traits, emotional dysregulation, and overdependence on short-form content. Correlation analyses revealed significant positive associations between the three variables. Mediation analysis further indicated that emotional dysregulation partially mediated the relationship between ADHD tendencies and short-form content overdependence. These findings suggest that difficulties in emotional regulation play a crucial intermediary role in the compulsive use of rapidly rewarding digital media formats. This study contributes to the growing literature on behavioral addiction by highlighting emotional dysregulation as a psychological mechanism that links neurodevelopmental traits to digital media overdependence. The practical implications include the need for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing emotion regulation skills among young adults, particularly those with ADHD-related characteristics. This study underscores the importance of integrating psychological risk factors into prevention strategies for digital media addiction in populations with higher education.</p>