In a year marked by rapid technological advancements and societal shifts, Oxford Dictionaries has chosen a rather unsettling term as its Word of the Year 2024: “brain rot.”
The term itself isn’t entirely new, having historical roots dating back to the 19th century. However, its recent prominence is undeniably linked to the digital age. Social media platforms, especially those that prioritize short-form, attention-grabbing content like TikTok, have played a significant role in popularizing the concept.
Oxford Dictionaries defines “brain rot” as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging.”
It’s a term that can be used to describe both the cause and the effect of this phenomenon. Low-quality, addictive content is often referred to as “brain rot,” while the mental state resulting from excessive consumption of such content is also labeled similarly.
Beyond its humorous or self-deprecating usage, “brain rot” has sparked serious conversations about the potential negative impact of excessive screen time and social media on mental health.
Experts have expressed concerns about the effects of constant stimulation, information overload, and the erosion of attention spans, especially among younger generations.
