Oxford Names 'Brain Rot' Word of the Year as Experts Warn of Social Media's Mental Toll

The term highlights concerns over diminished attention spans, motivation, and memory linked to excessive online scrolling.

Oxford University Press selected 'brain rot' as its 2024 word of the year, reflecting growing concerns about the effects of excessive online content consumption.
Experts describe 'brain rot' as the mental deterioration caused by overexposure to trivial or unchallenging online material, particularly through social media scrolling.
Neuroscientists point to the brain's habenula as a key factor in compulsive behaviors like 'doom-scrolling,' which can sap motivation and foster avoidance habits.
Prolonged online engagement is linked to reduced attention spans, memory issues, and disruptions in sleep, with particular concern for younger users.
Experts recommend strategies like limiting screen time, prioritizing meaningful content, and incorporating tech-free periods to combat digital overuse.