diff --git a/src/Debate.svelte b/src/Debate.svelte
index 1c0d997..0cf28f5 100644
--- a/src/Debate.svelte
+++ b/src/Debate.svelte
@@ -56,7 +56,9 @@
 
       const messageElements = chatContainer.querySelectorAll('.message');
       const currentMessageElement = messageElements[lastPastMessageIndex];
-      if (currentMessageElement) {
+
+      // if video is playing, auto scroll to the current message
+      if (currentMessageElement && !video.paused) {
         chatContainer.scrollTop = currentMessageElement.offsetTop - chatContainer.offsetTop - 20; // Adjust 20px offset if needed
       }
     });