Oxford University Press has chosen “brain rot” as its word of the year.
The term is considered “a deterioration in a person’s mental or intellectual condition, particularly seen as a result of overconsumption of material (currently especially online content) that is considered trivial or unchallenging.” and characterized as likely to lead to such deterioration.” ”
Some experts believe that constant, endless scrolling through social media and other online content is exactly what is rotting our brains.
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Kayla Bobinet, Ph.D., a behavioral neuroscientist and author of “Unstoppable Brain,” told FOX News Digital that there is a growing awareness of brain rot and its effects.
Oxford University Press’s selection of “brain rot” as the word of the year “pinpoints the problem,” says one expert. (St. Petersburg)
“It’s because of the zeitgeist that people have trouble maintaining their attention span. They feel like their brains are foggy and their concentration is impaired, and they can’t do deep work,” said Bobinet, who is based in California. Ta.
“And there’s also an epidemic of loneliness that seems to be following suit, because people can’t concentrate on anything, including building relationships.”
trapped in a scroll
Bobinet says a specific part of the brain called the habenula is responsible for endless scrolling.
The habenula is a central part of the brain that is involved in a variety of important functions, including motivation and decision-making. However, she noted that activation of this area can also “de-motivate people to put in effort.”
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“This is what happens when you know you should be doing something, but you end up doing something else instead, like doomscrolling,” she says.
“When this is turned on, this is the area of the brain that makes us feel depressed. It makes us feel like we’re out of control, impulsive, and addicted,” says one neurologist. spoke about the habenula. (St. Petersburg)
Bobinet says scrolling through social media is also a way to “dissociate” and give your brain a break after a long day. This is an “avoidance behavior” controlled by the habenula.
Experts point out that excessive social media use has similar effects to drug abuse
“We find that whenever you’re avoiding something, this area of your brain turns on,” she said.
Bobinet warned that social media addiction could form in this way, as this part of the brain can find it “extremely painful” to stop scrolling.
One expert said, “Because people can’t concentrate on anything, including building relationships, loneliness is widespread, and it seems like it’s tailing off.” (St. Petersburg)
This could lead to a “dangerous” loss of motivation, neuroscientists have warned.
“We all need motivation to live our lives, be proud of ourselves, be confident, and get what we want,” she told FOX News Digital.
How to avoid brain rot
Bobinet says there is no one-size-fits-all solution to avoiding brain rot.
The key is learning what works best for a person, she says, which requires “tweaking, tinkering, and adjusting as you go.”
“Humans are very resilient,” she added. “When you know the truth about your body, you can do something about it.”
One neuroscientist said scrolling through social media is a way to “dissociate” and give your brain a break after a long day, and is an “avoidance behavior.” (St. Petersburg)
Dr. Don Grant, national advisor for health device management at Newport Healthcare in Los Angeles, called on device manufacturers and content creators to keep users engaged with their devices.
“They’re very smart, the creators who created these algorithms tap into our limbic system, just like the people who created slot machines,” he told FOX News Digital. . “Pull the handle…you never know what you’re going to get.”
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Mr Grant said he was concerned about the “death of some things”, including the imagination.
“You don’t have to imagine anything anymore,” he said. “We pick up our devices every time. We worry about memory. We worry about education.”
Grant said she often hears from children that they spend up to eight hours each night scrolling or watching videos, which is “disrupting their sleep hygiene.”
One expert said she often hears from children that they spend up to eight hours each night scrolling or watching videos, which is “disrupting their sleep hygiene.” (St. Petersburg)
“And I say, ‘Okay, can you tell me one video that you remember?’ No child really remembers what they saw yet.”
“Our brain matter is reduced, our memory is reduced, our attention spans are reduced,” Grant warned.
“I’m worried about my memory. I’m worried about my education.”
Experts offered some tips to avoid getting stuck in a “doom scroll” of “endless, bottomless” content, especially for kids.
Grant pointed out that because the internet is “forever archived,” “FOMO” (fear of missing out) is not a valid reason to stay online.
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“Maybe call a friend or FaceTime your grandma while you’re on vacation,” he suggested.
Grant also advises people to spend their time online more strategically, splitting it between 80% “meaningful and legitimate” content and 20% entertainment.
Some experts advise people to spend their time online more strategically, splitting it between 80% “meaningful and legitimate” content and 20% entertainment. (St. Petersburg)
“You can set limits and block access for digital hygiene and health,” Grant said. “Set up technology-free times and zones in your home, especially for your family.”
“Go outside and move your muscles…play a memory game, an intellectually challenging game, or an educational game.”
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Experts also advise people to ask themselves a few questions after scrolling to assess the quality of the time spent.
“Can you tell me how much time you spent online? Did you spend more time than you expected? Do you feel better?”
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Grant added: “There is a recognized danger in living a virtual life and using your free time, but at the end of it, are you really happy with yourself?”
