Social media is being misused today more than ever, particularly by the youth. Mindless scrolling, oblivious to the hours slipping away, raises serious concerns about our future generations' direction.
Excessive consumption of online content, often devoid of value or meaning, neither informs nor educates. Instead, it is cleverly packaged in quirky formats to garner likes and views. Filter-perfect photos and curated stories from friends or influencers — many of whom we barely know — significantly impact our mental state. Moreover, consuming negative or toxic news before bed can interfere with mental clarity and thought processes.
This phenomenon has culminated in a mental state now referred to as ‘brain rot,’ a term so pervasive that Oxford University Press named it the Oxford Word of the Year 2024.
According to the Collins Dictionary, ‘brain rot’ refers to an inability to think caused by excessive consumption of low-quality online material that lacks intellectual stimulation.
Forms of brain rot include doom-scrolling, where individuals compulsively stay updated with disturbing news and zombie scrolling, which involves aimlessly flipping through reels or feeds with no real purpose. Video gaming addiction immerses individuals to the extent of struggling to function in the real world, while social media addiction drives the constant urge to check updates, notifications and mesmerising content.
The root cause lies in excessive internet usage. Our brains are not designed to handle such relentless exposure to unnecessary information. Perpetual scrolling overstimulates brain activity, risking cognitive health. It triggers the release of neurochemicals that create short-term pleasure but lead to behavioral addiction, trapping users in an unending loop.
A study published in PubMed Central highlights the urgent need to understand the internet’s impact on thought processes and well-being. It found that over 85 per cent of educators believe digital technology fosters an easily distracted generation. Alarmingly, children and youth today struggle with fundamental skills such as organisation, decision-making, problem-solving and working memory.
The 'comparison trap' of likes and follows further exacerbates feelings of low self-esteem and worth.
To combat this, it is crucial to understand the role of technology in our lives. Rather than allowing it to control us, we must use it as a tool. Setting boundaries on what, why and when we consume content is vital. The curated feeds of social media must be seen for what they truly are — highlight reels created with filters, edits and teamwork. Following creators who share meaningful, educational and positive content can make a significant difference.
Most importantly, we must learn to live beyond the screen. The digital realm should complement our lives, not dominate it. By adopting mindful consumption and intentional living, we can reclaim our mental clarity and safeguard future generations from the grip of brain rot.
DR NISMA HARIS
The writer is a general physician and content creator.
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