Is Brain Rot a Real Concern? Insights from Brain Health Experts

The term "brain rot" gained recognition last year when Oxford University Press named it its word of the year, describing it as the decline in mental or intellectual capacity due to excessive consumption of trivial or unchallenging content on social media and online platforms. This phenomenon is often compared to "junk food for the brain," a metaphor used by Dr. Andreana Benitez, an associate professor of neurology at the Medical University of South Carolina, to emphasize the potential negative impact of low-quality online content.

Despite its popular usage, scientific evidence confirming that screen time or digital media consumption directly causes brain deterioration remains limited. Research shows that behaviors like doomscrolling, social media obsession, and binge-watching can be distracting and emotionally draining, but whether they lead to genuine brain damage is still under investigation.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that half of American teenagers spend at least four hours daily on screens, and global estimates suggest adults spend more than six hours online each day. However, there are no established federal guidelines specifying optimal screen time. Some studies link heavy online engagement, especially during adolescence, to increased risks of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, attention disorders, and physical symptoms like dizziness and nausea. A recent analysis from 2024 highlights a connection between extensive screen time and emotional desensitization, impaired executive functioning, and reduced cognitive resilience.

Experts like Dr. Costantino Iadecola from Weill Cornell Medical Center emphasize that the concern isn’t necessarily about the quantity of screen time altering brain structure but about what happens during those hours. Excessive time on screens often replaces vital activities such as physical exercise and face-to-face social interactions, which are essential for healthy brain development. Artificial interactions lack the complex sensory, emotional, and verbal stimuli provided by real human contact.

The content consumed online also plays a significant role. Consuming large amounts of negative or low-quality content can distort perceptions of reality and diminish mental well-being, leading to mental exhaustion. Dr. Benitez likens this to eating junk food: occasional indulgence is harmless, but frequent overconsumption can be problematic.

To promote healthier digital habits, experts recommend curating online content, limiting screen time—especially before sleep—and encouraging offline activities like sports, arts, and hobbies. Purposeful and moderate use of technology can foster positive experiences and cognitive benefits. Ultimately, understanding the importance of balanced digital consumption is key to safeguarding mental health in an increasingly online world.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-brain-real-health-experts.html