In an age of endless scrolling, viral trends, and bite-sized content, the phrase 'brain rot' has been announced as the Oxford Word of the Year 2024. The term describes the mental and intellectual toll of overindulging in trivial or unchallenging digital media and reflects on the growing cultural awareness of the impact of our online habits. Let's understand what 'brain rot' exactly means for the mental health of the younger generations, Gen Z and Gen Alpha and how to combat it.
What is 'Brain Rot'?
The term 'brain rot' summarises a modern-day dilemma: the supposed deterioration of mental faculties caused by an overconsumption of superficial, low-value online material. As defined by Oxford University Press (OUP) as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state,” it’s often linked to habits like binge-watching short videos, endlessly scrolling through Instagram, or falling into the rabbit hole of repetitive memes.
Though not a clinical term, "brain rot" metaphorically addresses symptoms like reduced attention span, mental fatigue, and diminished motivation for intellectually enriching tasks. Speaking to the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Sushma Gopalan, Psychologist, Aster CMI Hospital - Bengaluru remarked, “The widespread use of the term shows a fascinating self-awareness, particularly among the communities responsible for creating and consuming this content.”
"Addressing brain rot involves strategies such as limiting screen time, prioritising high-quality content, and adopting digital detox practices. These efforts will help to restore the balance between online engagement and mental well-being," Dr Gopalan further suggested.
How Was The Word Decided
In their announcement, OUP shared that public participation played an important role in selecting the term, with over 37,000 votes cast. 'Brain rot' emerged victorious from a shortlist of six words, resonating strongly with people concerned about the effects of digital media consumption on cognitive health and societal well-being.
Impact on Mental Health: A Generation at Risk
For Gen Z (born roughly between 1997 and 2012) and Gen Alpha (born from 2013 onwards), digital consumption is second nature. Social media is not just a source of entertainment; it's a tool for connection, education, and expression. But with its benefits come significant downsides:
1. Attention Span Decline
Studies have shown that heavy social media use contributes to shortened attention spans, making it harder to focus on tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
2. Cognitive Overload
In a candid conversation with Onlymyhealth, 22-year-old Sushmita Sharma shared, "The relentless flood of information, much of it irrelevant or trivial, tends to leave me feeling mentally drained, unable to process and even retain meaningful insights sometimes."
In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion, mindless scrolling or too much social media usage can affect cognitive health; reduce one's ability of self-control and can leave them with social media addiction and narcissism.
Also Read: Social Media Has Impact On Sleep Patterns: Study
3. Increased Anxiety and Depression
“The curated perfection of online content amplifies feelings of inadequacy,” Sushmita added. Hence, a constant influx of trivial or negative material can also enhance feelings of helplessness or dissatisfaction.
Additionally, according to studies, social media is strongly associated with appearance anxiety, inadequate sleep, and low self-esteem.
Gen Zs and Gen Alphas, having grown up with smartphones in their pockets, are often the first to call out the harmful effects of social media on their mental health. Here is what they shared.
“For my daughter, I observed that scrolling is like eating junk food for the brain. It makes her feel good at the moment, but later, she is just left wanting for more,” 12-year-old Aadya Srivastava's mother shared.
It was noted that Gen Alpha, the youngest and most digitally immersed generation, is at even greater risk of 'brain rot'. Born into a world where screens are a primary source of interaction, their relationship with technology is still forming.
How to Combat 'Brain Rot'
To counteract the effects of brain rot, intentional digital habits are recommended. Such as:
- Allocate specific times for social media use and prioritise offline activities.
- Follow accounts that inspire and educate rather than those that leave you feeling drained.
- Regularly disconnect from screens to engage in real-world activities stimulating your mind and body.
- For parents and educators, teaching media literacy and fostering hobbies outside the digital sphere can help younger generations find balance.
Bottomline
The selection of 'brain rot' as Oxford Word of the Year 2024 is a wake-up call for our hyperconnected world. It emphasises the growing concerns surrounding digital consumption and challenges individuals, especially the youth, to reclaim their mental clarity and well-being. As Gen Zs and Gen Alphas navigate their way through the digital age, understanding and addressing 'brain rot' will be key to providing a healthier, more mindful relationship with technology.