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Brain Rot: Is Modern Media Really Rewiring Our Minds?

January 15, 2025

6 min read

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Author : United We Care
Brain Rot: Is Modern Media Really Rewiring Our Minds?

Have you ever caught yourself scrolling endlessly through your phone, only to realize hours have passed? Or found it difficult to focus on a book because you are tempted to check your notifications? If you have, you are not alone. Modern media, from social media platforms to streaming services has become a huge part of our daily lives. But is it changing the way our brains work? Let’s dig in.

What Is “Brain Rot” Anyway?

“Brain rot” is a term often used to describe the feeling of mental fog or laziness that seems to come from too much screen time. People joke about it, but there’s some truth behind the idea. The constant stimulation from social media such as short videos like reels, shorts and tiktok videos, quick updates, and flashy headlines could be affecting our attention spans, memory, and even how we process information.

Another definition was given by Tess Coward, who works with the agency SolComms. “Brain rot is when internet trends and jokes are going through your mind constantly. It’s the inability to form sentences without internet slang. It infiltrates your life and you don’t even know you’re doing it at some point” she says. Especially among Genz and Gen Alpha who speak in sentences which consist of “brain rot” vocabulary, such as Started mewing, now my aura’s insane.”, “Her aura screams ‘alpha,’ but it’s Ohio energy.”,  “Alpha? Nah, I’m straight-up Skibidi-core.”, etc. 

which can be difficult for people outside of their online communities or generation to understand. 

The Science of Screen Time

Our brains are wired to seek out novelty. Every time we get a “like,” watch a funny video, or read breaking news, our brain releases a feel good chemical called dopamine. This creates a feedback loop that keeps us coming back for more and more and more. While this might not seem like a big deal, over time, it can train our brains to crave constant stimulation. As a result, this dependency can diminish one’s ability to focus on more mundane tasks, such as studying or completing work-related projects, as they require sustained attention without immediate rewards (Naveen Kumar, 2024)

Is Our Attention Span Shrinking?

You might have heard the saying that humans now have shorter attention spans than goldfish. While that is a bit of an exaggeration, there is evidence that modern media can make it harder to focus.

According to research done by Dr Gloria Mark, a professor at the University of California and her team discovered significant evidence of the decline in our ability to focus (2023). In 2004 the research revealed that the average attention span on a screen was two and a half minutes but by 2012, it had dropped to just 75 seconds. Six years ago, it was down to 47 seconds. 

A research conducted by Statista indicates that as of 2022, 68% of U.S. consumers reported multitasking while listening to music, with 63% engaging in social media while watching videos. The study further stated that 57% of respondents admitted to checking their smart phones during in person conversations, showcasing a pervasive habit of distraction that can easily affect attention spans. 

What About Memory?

Think about how often you Google something instead of trying to remember it. The internet and digital media have changed how we handle memory through something called “transactive memory.” This means we store information outside our brains for instance on devices or online. Instead of memorizing facts, we now focus more on remembering where to find them. As we rely more on digital sources, knowing how to access information has become more important than keeping it in our heads. While this is not all bad, it is great for quick answers but it might mean we are not exercising our memory as much as we used to.

The Upside of Modern Media

It’s not all doom and gloomy. Modern media such as social media platforms, video games, phones etc has connected us to friends and family, exposes us to new ideas, and even helps us to learn about many things. Online communities can be incredibly supportive, and platforms such as YouTube and TikTok are filled with educational content. But the key to keeping the balance is using these tools mindfully.

How to Protect Ourselves

If you are worried about “brain rot,” here are a few simple tips:

1. Take Breaks: Use the “20-20-20 rule” for screens. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. To know more about this check out our blog on Navigating Mental Health in a Digital World. 

2. Limit Notifications: Turn off non-essential alerts to avoid constant distractions.

3. Practice Focus: Try activities that require sustained attention, like reading a book or playing puzzle games.

4. Set Boundaries: Create “tech-free” zones or times, like during meals or before bed.

5. Be Intentional: Use media for specific purposes rather than mindlessly scrolling.

 Conclusion

Modern media is not inherently bad. It’s a tool, and like any tool, it depends on how we use it. By being more aware of our habits and setting healthy boundaries, we can enjoy the benefits of modern media without letting it take over our minds. After all, our brains are pretty amazing thus let us treat them with care.

References 

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Author : United We Care

Founded in 2020, United We Care (UWC) is providing mental health and wellness services at a global level, UWC utilizes its team of dedicated and focused professionals with expertise in mental healthcare, to solve 2 essential missing components in the market, sustained user engagement and program efficacy/outcomes.

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