What is brain rot, and could you be experiencing it?

(NewsNation) — Are you or someone that you know addicted to scrolling on social media? You might be experiencing "brain rot" and could benefit from a break from digital consumption.

What is brain rot?

While not a clinical diagnosis, brain rot describes the "deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state," often caused by overconsumption of material, particularly online, according to the Oxford University Press.

Oxford University also reported a 230% increase in the term's use between 2023 and 2024, amid concerns about the impact of consuming "excessive amounts of low-quality online content."

The term was named Oxford Dictionary's World of the Year for 2024.

How to prevent brain rot?

Dr. Sanjay Gupta warns that being dependent on social media may be harming mental health. In an interview with CNN Health, he explained brain rot includes overstimulation and fatigue caused by excessive screen use.

Dr. Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist, described the term to The Telegraph as your brain is under stress "with too many tabs open."

“The brain is exposed to far more information and demands than it can handle without proper breaks, which over time leads to difficulty concentrating, poor memory and emotional exhaustion," she explained.

Gupta explained the brain's natural rhythm thrives on a balance of stimulation, focus and rest.

Touroni shared a similar sentiment: "The brain actually prefers focused, intellectual engagement. If we want to keep them healthy, we need to be aware of this and change our behavior accordingly."

While avoiding technology entirely may be unrealistic, Gupta suggests creating "device-free zones" at home, such as bedrooms or dining rooms. This may encourage healthier habits and strengthen relationships.

Gupta also recommends using app timers or digital wellbeing tools to track and restrict non-essential usage.