The Oxford University Press has announced its Oxford Word of the Year 2024. Out of six nominees, including ‘romantasy,’ ‘brain rot’ was the winner. So what is brain rot? And why do you need to know? Let’s dig in.
Dr. Grant called out device makers and content producers for keeping users hooked to their devices, likening them to slot machine designers.
The announcement was made December 2. Frankly, I was scratching my head.
I thought brain rot was slang for what happens to the brain when we think too much for extended periods of time – or maybe the effects of long-term substance use.
But when I read the Oxford definition, not only did I get it, I knew I had to learn more and bring it here.
Backing me is an excellent Fox News article entitled “What is ‘brain rot’? The science behind what too much scrolling does to our brains,” dated December 15, 2024. The piece was written by Angelica Stabile.
Let’s get busy…
What is brain rot?
Here’s what the folks at Oxford University Press have to say about brain rot…
“…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. Also: something characterized as likely to lead to such deterioration.”
They went on to say their experts noticed that ‘brain rot’ gained new prominence in 2024 as a term used to capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media.
The insight of Dr. Kyra Bobinet
The Fox News piece featured the insight of behavioral neuroscientist Dr. Kyra Bobinet, author of Unstopped Brain. She confirmed the growing awareness of the word ‘brain rot’, how one comes by it, and its consequences.
She believes it’s rooted in attention span difficulties, which have become increasingly common. The accompanying brain fog and compromised concentration make doing work of any depth all but impossible.
Dr. Bobinet submits that what she calls the “epidemic of loneliness” adds to the misery because we find it difficult to focus on anything – including building relationships.
The anatomy of brain rot
Since the beginning of my emotional and mental illness journey, I’ve enjoyed connecting thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to anatomy and physiology. And wouldn’t you know it, Dr. Bobinet goes there.
The habenula
Habenula
The habenula is a bilateral pea-sized neuronal structure deep within the brain. According to Dr. Bobinet, it’s responsible for getting stuck in the endless scrolling that generates brain rot.
The habenula is involved in functions such as motivation and decision-making. And according to Dr. Bobinet, when it’s activated it can “kill our motivation to try.”
She goes on to say the habenula is the “heart” of knowing we should be doing something, but doing the other things instead – like doomscrolling.
Speaking of which, check out this article from several months ago: The emotional and mental consequences of doomscrolling.
Disassociation and rest
Dr. Bobinet points out that scrolling on social media is a way to “disassociate” from life in the moment and give the brain a rest. Actually, it’s an avoidance mechanism controlled by the habenula. In fact, anytime we’re avoiding something, we can be sure the habenula is on.
According to Dr. Bobinet, this is how social media addictions can form, as this part of the brain can make it “painful” to stop scrolling. And that can result in a dangerous loss of motivation.
That’ll do it for our brain rot anatomy chat. I have to ask – do you find these connections interesting? Think about it, a pea-sized grouping of neurons deep within the brain having so much power over our lives. It’s difficult to grasp.
How to avoid brain rot
So now we know what brain rot is. By the way, do you have it? Well on your way? True confessions: I have some work to do.
Okay, what are we going to do about it?
Well, Dr. Bobinet says there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. That means we have to learn what works best for us – tweaking and adjusting along the way. Thankfully, natural resilience is our greatest asset.
Go figure, that’s also how it is for emotional and mental illnesses.
Dr. Don Grant: Device makers and content producers
The Fox News article also included the insight of Dr. Don Grant, national adviser of healthy device management at Newport Healthcare.
Dr. Grant called out device makers and content producers for keeping users hooked to their devices, likening them to slot machine designers. As he put it, “Pull the handle…You never know what you’re going to get.”
Frighteningly, Dr. Grant expressed concern about “the death of some things,” including imagination, memory, and education. Did you know the stakes were that high?
What’s happening to the brains of children and teenagers?
And our children and teenagers: Dr. Grant said they often tell him they spend eight hours on any given night scrolling and watching videos, which, of course, disrupts healthy preparation for falling asleep.
And you know what? When he asks for the name of a video they watched, their minds go blank.
I think you’ll find Social media and youth mental health: An advisory relevant and important.
And how’s this for scary? Dr. Grant believes our brain matter is diminishing. And just like Dr. Bobinet, he’s highly concerned about our attention spans.
Tips to avoid getting stuck
Dr. Grant offered some tips to avoid getting stuck in doomscrolling of “endless, bottomless content,”
First of all, he points out that the internet is “archived forever,” That being the case, the fear of missing out (FOMO) isn’t an issue.
He urges people to split up their time online, suggesting 80% for “meaningful, legitimate” content and 20% for entertainment. He also suggests establishing limits, such as tech-free times and zones at home,
And how ‘bout this? Dr. Grant would like to see us ask questions after scrolling to help gauge the quality of time spent. They can include: “How much time did you spend online? Did you spend more time than you wanted to? Did you feel better?
Dr. Grant emphasizes outdoor physical activity and playing games that are intellectually challenging or educational.
Perhaps most important of all, he asks, “There’s a perceived danger of virtual life and how we’re using our free time – at the end of it, are you really feeling good about yourself?”
Make the adjustments
That was a bunch of information, wasn’t it. Given the stakes, we need to learn as much as we can about brain rot.
And at least equally important, we have to monitor our personal scrolling habits and make indicated adjustments. And keeping an eye on the habits of the children and teenagers we’re responsible for is crucial.
Be sure to check out the full Fox News article: What is ‘brain rot’? The science behind what too much scrolling does to our brains,”
See what’s up with Dr. Kyra Bobinet. Lots of interesting goodies on her site. And learn more about Dr. Don Grant.
Hey, if you’re looking for even more reading material, go ahead and peruse the Chipur info and inspiration titles. You’ll be glad you did.
After a decades-long battle with panic, generalized anxiety, fluctuating moods, and alcohol dependence; Bill finally found his life’s passion and work – lending a hand to those in the same boat. At age 49 he hit grad school and earned his counseling credentials. And he continues his service through Chipur and other projects.
