“Brain Rot” Named Oxford Word of the Year: How Excessive Screen Time Affects Mental Health

Oxford Languages has named "Brain Rot" as its Word of the Year for 2024, a term that has become popular as people become more concerned about how the internet is affecting our mental health.

The word was picked based on a public vote, with over 37,000 people casting their opinions. Brain rot describes the decline in mental health caused by spending too much time on low-quality online content.

The choice shows how society is becoming more aware of how digital habits are affecting our minds, especially among younger generations. The term saw a 230% increase in use from 2023 to 2024, moving from a funny trend on social media to a more serious topic.

What Is Brain Rot?

Though the term is often used jokingly, it's also a serious concern about the impact of spending too much time on the internet, especially among younger people.

Interestingly, the term “brain rot” has been around since 1854, when author Henry David Thoreau used it to criticize society’s lack of deeper thinking. Today, it’s a new way to describe how our minds are influenced by the internet.

How Brain Rot Affects Mental Health

Studies are starting to show how brain rot affects our brains and mental health:

Attention: A 2023 study from Stanford University found that spending too much time on low-quality online content can make it harder to focus and process information.

Emotions: A 2024 report by the American Psychological Association found that people who spend a lot of time on trivial content feel more anxious, lonely, and dissatisfied.

Brain Function: Constant exposure to quick, easy entertainment on the internet can lead to a cycle of instant gratification, making it harder to focus on deeper, more meaningful tasks.

Dr. Amelia Hart, a neuroscientist, says brain rot is a real problem, affecting our ability to think deeply and manage our emotions. The brain is being trained to seek quick bursts of stimulation, which harms our focus.

How to Prevent Brain Rot

Experts suggest some simple ways to reduce brain rot:

Set Digital Limits: Limit screen time and take breaks from your devices. Use apps that track your digital habits.

Pick Better Content: Choose high-quality, educational, or inspiring content rather than mindless videos.

Do Offline Activities: Try things like reading, exercising, or gardening to keep your brain active in healthier ways.

Practice Mindfulness: Use meditation or journaling to clear your mind and focus.

Get Enough Sleep: Avoid too much screen time before bed to improve sleep quality.

Take Breaks: Consider digital detoxes, where you take a break from social media or the internet to refresh your mind.

Youth Culture and Awareness

However, they are also the ones making the term popular, often using it humorously to describe long hours spent scrolling through memes or silly videos. This awareness is actually a good sign, as it shows they recognize the problem, even if they’re still part of it.

Sociolinguist Dr. Megan Tan says that using the term “brain rot” shows that young people are aware of the negative effects of digital culture, even while they continue to participate in it.

A Bigger Conversation

Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, explained that brain rot reflects how society is thinking more about how digital lives impact real-world behavior. He noted the irony that the younger generations, who help create and share the content causing brain rot, are also the ones bringing attention to the issue. He called it a "cheeky self-awareness."

Finding Balance

Though brain rot started as a funny term, its recognition as Word of the Year highlights a bigger issue. As we continue to live in the digital age, we need to rethink how we use technology and focus more on our mental health.

The solution to brain rot isn’t about quitting social media—it’s about finding balance. By being mindful and intentional about our digital habits, we can enjoy the benefits of the internet without letting it negatively affect our minds.

References:

1. American Psychological Association. (2024). The effects of digital consumption on mental health.

2. Grathwohl, C. (2024). Interview with Oxford Languages on the recognition of "brain rot" as Word of the Year.

3. Hart, A. (2024). The neurological impacts of excessive internet use.

4. Stanford University. (2023). Attention and cognitive processing in the digital age.

5. Tan, M. (2024). Sociolinguistics and the youth's relationship with "brain rot".

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)