The Oxford University Press named ‘brain rotas the word of the year. The “Word of the Year” is chosen based on the results of a public vote, in which more than 37,000 people took part this year.
“Our language experts have created a shortlist of six words to capture the mood and conversations that have influenced the past year. After two weeks of public voting and extensive conversations, our experts came together to review public opinion, the voting results and our language. data before declaring ‘brain rot’ the final word of the year in 2024,” the official statement said.
It defines brain rot as the perceived deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially seen as the result of excessive consumption of material (now especially internet content) deemed trivial or unproblematic. Also: something that can lead to such deterioration.
But what is it? “Brain rot” is not a real disease, it’s a colloquial term used to describe mental stagnation or cognitive decline as a result of consuming too much unproductive or overstimulating content, such as endlessly scrolling through social media or watching shows.
This term “brain rot” describes the actual feeling of mental exhaustion or numbness as a result of reading and viewing meaningless material. Try to imagine yourself spending hours binge-watching YouTube videos or scrolling through Instagram Reels without any purpose. It seems harmless enough, but all that wasted time adds up over time and can gradually contribute to cognitive fatigue and a reduced ability to concentrate, think, and interact intelligently with the world.
Of course, this “rot” is not literal – there is no actual decay in the brain. Instead, it’s about how overexposure to low-quality or repetitive stimuli can limit your intellectual growth and emotional well-being. If the brain is not threatened with constructive activity, it can lose its sharpness, just as muscles weaken if they are not exercised.
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“Our experts have observed that ‘brain rot’ has gained new prominence this year as a term used to describe concerns about the effects of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, particularly on social media. The frequency of use of this term increased by 230% between 2023 and 2024,” reports Oxford University Press.
Why brain rot needs to be assessed properly
Mental health thrives on balance – a balance of productivity and rest, stimulation and rest, consumption and creation. Brain rot disrupts this balance, and its consequences can be far-reaching.
Constant exposure to fast media can overstimulate your brain, which can make you feel stressed. Social media platforms, in particular, thrive on endless feeds that can be anxiety-inducing due to comparisons, FOMO, or exposure to negativity. Constantly changing content often makes the brain crave instant gratification, making it difficult to sustain attention for a longer period of time.
10 effective brain exercises to start your day. Over time, this contributes to reduced performance, further increasing feelings of frustration or inadequacy. Too much poor content can rob you of emotional sensitivity. Too many memes or trivial content can leave you feeling unsatisfied, even if you’ve spent hours on it. Late-night scrolling sessions can wreak havoc on your sleep hygiene. Poor sleep directly affects mental health, leading to problems such as depression, irritability and fatigue.
How to address the concept of brain rot
The concept of “brain rot” serves as a wake-up call in a world filled with distractions. By addressing this phenomenon, you can improve your cognitive function, but also support your overall mental health.
First of all, watch yours digital habits. Most smartphones have built-in tools that measure how much time you spend in different apps. Determine what takes up most of your time and evaluate whether it adds value to your life. For example, do you get inspired by browsing Instagram, or does it leave you exhausted?
Creative activity will fight the passive nature of mere mindless consumption. In addition to browsing social networks, you can try to write, draw, cook or learn something new. Creative activities are good for the brain and self-esteem.
Be selective about what you consume. Instead of consuming junk, make sure you consume something that nourishes your mind: watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, or read books. If you’re into social media, follow inspirational or educational accounts rather than comparison-oriented accounts.
Mindfulness techniques help train the brain to stay present by resisting the overstimulation caused by overconsumption of media. Simple practices like deep breathing, journaling, or yoga can go a long way toward refocusing your mind.
