What is “brain rot”: a modern phenomenon?
I have recently heard of a new word. “Brain rot”. I am sure you have probably heard of this term too! If we had to work out the meaning, we would surely think of a strange image of a rotten brain! Brain rot can be defined as an overuse and a consumption of low-quality content, for example, on social media apps. Imagine someone mindlessly scrolling on apps such as TikTok. One might argue, what is the problem with mindlessly scrolling on our phones? The issue is that the consumption of bite-sized videos activates our brain’s reward centre by creating a surge in dopamine- our feel-good hormone. Our dopamine receptors will need a constant refuelling to activate that intermittent reward! This is why it is so difficult to stop scrolling once we begin! One more video… Sadly, this is how the cycle continues. This overconsumption is what leads to the popular term “brain rot”.
Psychological & emotional effects?
The metaphor of the slot machine is one that creates a vivid image in our minds of pulling the lever and waiting to see if there is a reward. This can be applied to our phones! The shocking statistic of the average screen time so far in 2025 is an outstanding 7 hours and 22 minutes for teenagers. Children also have a worrying 5 hours! Now, going back to our term brain rot, imagine a young child or teenager glued to the glow of their smartphone or iPad. Their eyes are glued to the screen, glancing and usually dismissing a video within seconds. The new and exciting material that was being searched for has not been fully acknowledged before a simple swipe leads to the next visual overwhelm. We can imagine how fast the child or teen is scrolling, barely acknowledging the next video. There is a moment of pause… This looks exciting! Finally, after almost 20 minutes of brain rot, there is something exciting! Now, replay, send! Now, another lifetime of scrolling… This is brain rot! Now, let’s imagine, a young teen comes home from school. They have been scrolling on TikTok for hours. Most of the content that this teen saw was negative and, at times, even distressing! How do you think this child or teenager feels? Exhausted? Overwhelmed? This is how the negative cycle will impact them. The next day, they will feel exhausted at school. and they might notice an inability to concentrate! The child or teen might feel stressed, anxious and generally overwhelmed due to the cognitive overload and overwhelm due to the unfiltered and excessive screen time! No wonder it is called brain rot! It is almost as if social media is an unhealthy meal that was consumed with no limits. causing stomach pains and general feelings of being unwell! Having a sugary treat is fine with limits, though you can imagine if a person were to have this excessively and in great amounts!
What is the solution?
We can avoid the negative impacts and effects of excessive social media use by reducing the time we spend online. Social media can be a wonderful tool, though this all depends on what is consumed and also for what duration. It is essential to promote positive content of interest that can be viewed by children and teenagers. Also, limiting screen time is paramount to one’s health and wellbeing. It is not only children and teenagers who can be affected by brain rot- it includes adults too! Have you noticed a feeling of cognitive overload? Have you had times where you feel that you spend unregulated amounts of time scrolling? Do you watch lots of random and unfulfilling bite-sized videos on social media? Have you ever started to scroll, promising yourself just one more video, and then you look at the time! Where did the time go? How did I not notice the time? It’s already 2am!
Brain-rot affects us all! Are you tired? Tired of wasting your precious time and energy scrolling through unfulfilling and wasteful content that was carefully curated based on what you have viewed? If so, it might be worth making small changes in your life, and then you can journal how you feel after your digital detox or digital change!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. I hope you have enjoyed and benefitted. Please feel free to leave any comments and suggestions. I hope to see you again soon!
Thank you again! 🙂
Maryam Hagi Lifestyle 