Brain Rot: Oxford’s Word of the year (2024)

Psychologist and Oxford University Professor Andrew Przybylski says the popularity of the word is a “symptom of the time we’re living in”.

Prof Przybylski says “there’s no evidence of brain rot actually being a thing”.

The phrase “brain rot” refers to the alleged mental deterioration brought on by excessive attention to unimportant details. It captures a growing concern that prolonged exposure to low-quality internet content may cause mental impairment, short attention spans, and cognitive decline. Henry David Thoreau coined the phrase in his 1854 book “Walden,” in which he chastised society for disregarding sophisticated ideas.

Oxford’s 2024 Word of the Year, “BRAIN ROT” refers to the perceived decline in a person’s mental or intellectual capacities brought on by an excessive amount of low-quality internet content, particularly unimportant or undemanding content. The phrase has gained particular traction among younger generations, including Gen Z and Gen Alpha, as a way to voice concerns about the detrimental effects of digital media on wellbeing and cognitive health.

Victims of brain rot may describe the following symptoms:

Poor thinking: Inability to focus and comprehend the material.

Short attention span: Having trouble focusing for longer stretches of time or understanding what they read in its entirety.

Mental exhaustion: Procrastination and forgetting can result from consuming too much information.

Brain rot can also manifest as:

1) Zombie scrolling, which is an incessant browsing behavior in which a person reads with little focus, and

2) Doomscrolling, in which people have a tendency to continuously search for depressing news.

Although brain rot mainly affects the cognitive level, it can also have emotional effects. Depression, anxiety, and desensitization can result from prolonged exposure to useless internet content. The overabundance of notifications and superficial interactions causes the brain to become overloaded with information, making it impossible to retain important connections and information.

How the Dopamine Loop Can Undervalue Complicated Concepts:

The cycle in which the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to reward and pleasure, is known as the “dopamine loop.” Pleasurable behaviors are encouraged by this release, which reinforces them. This cycle may become unhealthy in certain situations, especially when substance misuse or addictive behaviors are involved. The brain’s reward system may become unbalanced if it is subjected to substances or activities that generate excessive dopamine release on a regular basis. This can eventually result in a type of brain damage known as “brain rot.” Dopamine becomes less effective in the brain, thus more of the drug or activity is needed to provide the same amount of pleasure. This leads to emotional instability, cognitive deficits,

How Does Brain Rot Impact the Body and Lead to Cognitive Decline?

Brain rot damages the brain by killing brain cells, which results in memory loss, cognitive decline, and problems with movement and decision-making abilities. Additionally, it may cause personality changes and mood swings. Due to impaired neuronal transmission, the body may experience difficulties with simple skills, coordination, and general physical health as the brain’s function declines. In extreme situations, brain rot may result in total loss of motor control or paralysis. Concerns about social media, digital stimulation, and emotional well-being are reflected in the word of the year, which calls for a concerted effort to stop this decline, which is sometimes referred to as brain rot.

Brain Rot Prevalence:

The fundamental causes of brain rot affect how often it is. Alzheimer’s affects 5–10% of those over 65, and Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative illnesses are more prevalent in older populations. Brain damage from substance misuse is common, especially in people who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol for a long time. Brain rot is also frequently caused by traumatic brain injuries, particularly those sustained in contact sports or accidents. Although the prevalence of brain rot is difficult to measure because it is a phrase used to describe a variety of illnesses, it is frequently associated with age, substance addiction, and brain injury.

Conclusion:

Even if social media and the internet have ingrained themselves into daily life, it is evident that excessive screen time has detrimental effects that cannot be disregarded. Particularly for young people, constant exposure to online content, such as videos and internet slang, can impair cognitive function and self-esteem. We may increase focus, lessen mental exhaustion, and restore equilibrium by choosing our online time wisely and adopting digital practices that support both physical and mental well-being. The winning word from the previous year, “rizz,” emphasizes how language has changed as a result of online networks, mirroring societal trends in digital communication and culture. Little actions can make a big difference in safeguarding our wellbeing and assisting us, whether they involve unfollowing accounts, taking pauses, or exercising.

Epilogue:

Here are some recommended strategies to alleviate the impact of brain rot:
Limiting screen time involves decreasing the hours spent on social media and other online platforms.

Engaging in pursuits that stimulate cognitive activity, such as reading or creative projects, is an example of taking part in fulfilling endeavours.

Practicing mindfulness: Techniques that promote concentration and awareness can help counteract the harmful effects of excessive digital engagement.

To safeguard mental health and cognitive abilities while society continues to navigate the online world, it is crucial for us to identify and address brain rot.