Brain Rot: The Deterioration of Mental and Intellectual State Caused by Online Content
The Oxford Word of the Year for 2024 is “brain rot,” a term that reflects growing concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content. According to Oxford University Press, brain rot refers to the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material considered to be trivial or unchallenging.
Scientific studies have shown that consuming excessive amounts of junk content, including sensationalist news, conspiracy theories, and vacuous entertainment, can profoundly affect our brains. Research from prestigious institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Oxford University, and King’s College London reveals that social media consumption can reduce grey matter, shorten attention spans, weaken memory, and distort core cognitive functions.
The term “brain rot” is not just a linguistic quirk, but a reflection of the real impact of low-quality online content on our brains. Over the past decade, research has shown that excessive internet use is linked to a decrease in grey matter in the prefrontal regions of the brain, areas responsible for problem-solving, emotional regulation, memory, and impulse control.
The problem is exacerbated by features such as “infinite scrolling,” which are designed to keep users glued to their screens. This can trap people, especially young individuals, in a cycle of content consumption for hours, significantly impairing attention and executive functions.
Experts have been sounding the alarm about this issue since the turn of the century, when email became a common tool. In 2005, researchers found that constant email and cellphone use led to an average IQ drop of 10 points. The current situation is even more concerning, with recent research finding that excessive internet use is linked to a decrease in grey matter in the prefrontal regions of the brain.
To avoid falling into the trap of doomscrolling, experts recommend recognizing the problem, making a conscious effort to disconnect, and engaging in activities that require physical presence, such as meeting friends or playing sports. They also stress the importance of prioritizing educational content that avoids addictive features, setting clear limits on daily screen use, and encouraging regular breaks.