4 Ways To Prevent The Development Of Digital 'Brain Rot'

The word of the year 2024 is, according to Oxford, 'brain rot.' Here's what it is, and how you can combat it.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | December 13, 2024

The term "brain rot" has taken social media and cultural discourse by storm, describing the erosion of our intellectual and emotional well-being due to endless consumption of low-quality online content. Coined as far back as 1854 by Henry David Thoreau in Walden, the idea of mental deterioration from trivial distractions has never been more relevant.

With a 230% surge in usage between 2023 and 2024, this uptick signals a collective awakening to the negative impacts of our increasingly virtual lives.

However, it's not just a critique of technology—it's a call for intentional living. While digital content isn't inherently bad, unchecked consumption can lead to a passive, reactive state of mind that Thoreau himself cautioned against.

As our engagement with digital media skyrockets, so do its effects on our mental and emotional health. The consequences of brain rot extend far beyond mere distraction. Here are four key ways it impacts us:

1. Reduced attention span. Excessive exposure to digital media impairs focus. Bite-sized content trains the brain to seek instant gratification, making it difficult to concentrate on tasks requiring sustained attention, like reading or complex problem-solving.
2. Diminished critical thinking. Endless scrolling through surface-level content erodes deep thinking and analytical skills. A 2023 study in BMC Psychiatry found that among social media users, those experiencing "fear of missing out" (FOMO) were more prone to distractions, especially when overusing these platforms.
3. Increased anxiety and stress. A 2022 study revealed that problematic news consumption is strongly linked to poor mental and physical health, even when accounting for personality and habits. The rapid pace of digital life overwhelms the nervous system, with constant news cycles, social media and comparison culture amplifying stress and anxiety.
4. Emotional fatigue. A 2023 study found that social media factors like information overload and privacy concerns, along with cyberbullying, lead to emotional exhaustion. This can result in emotional numbness or disengagement, making it harder to process or feel emotions deeply.
5. Social isolation. A 2018 study suggested that heavy passive consumption or negative online experiences contribute to feelings of isolation. Despite being hyperconnected, excessive online use can leave us feeling lonely. Shallow interactions on social media often lack the depth of real-world connections.

Recognizing these impacts is key to reclaiming mental clarity and emotional balance in a digital-first world. But how do we reclaim our mental clarity and restore balance in a world designed to captivate—and often overwhelm—our minds? Here are four effective strategies to protect your brain from the rot of digital overconsumption.

1. Curate A 'Mental Diet' For Intentional Content Consumption

Just as your body depends on a balanced diet for physical health, your mind thrives on the quality of the information you consume. Curate your "mental diet" with the intention to take control of your digital habits. Here's where you can start:

• Audit your feeds. Take a close look at the accounts, videos or articles you engage with most. Do they energize and inspire you, or leave you feeling drained and negative? Curate a feed that uplifts and adds value to your life, much like stocking your pantry with nourishing foods.
• Create a content pyramid. Build a hierarchy for your digital consumption. The foundation should be "brain food"—educational materials and thought-provoking content. The middle tier can include entertaining yet enriching options like documentaries or creative storytelling. At the top, reserve "light content" like memes or viral videos for occasional indulgence. This structure ensures your mental intake supports growth rather than just filling time.
• Practice the 80/20 rule. Dedicate 80% of your screen time to meaningful, enriching content and 20% to light entertainment. This approach allows room for relaxation while keeping your focus on content that adds long-term value.

2. Practice Digital Hygiene for Sustainable Tech Use

Practicing digital hygiene means setting boundaries that allow you to use technology as a tool for productivity and connection without letting it dominate your life. Here's how you can draw them:

• Set time limits. Endless scrolling is designed to be addictive, but you can regain control by setting clear limits. Use apps or built-in phone features to limit your daily usage on platforms prone to overconsumption, like social media or video-streaming apps. For example, cap your time on Instagram to 30 minutes or block access to non-essential apps during work hours.
• Schedule 'tech-free hours.' Start with mornings, using the first hour after waking to focus on activities like mindfulness, journaling or exercising, instead of diving straight into notifications. Similarly, reserve your evenings for unwinding without screens, preparing for better sleep and relaxation. You might also establish tech-free spaces in your home, such as the dining room, where meals are enjoyed without phones or laptops.
• Engage in deep work. Multitasking and constant notifications disrupt focus and reduce productivity. Instead, allocate dedicated blocks of time for deep work—intense, uninterrupted periods where you tackle meaningful tasks. Turn off notifications, close unrelated tabs, and silence your phone. Tools like the Pomodoro technique can help you maintain focus while balancing effort with short breaks.

3. Reconnect With Analog Experiences For Mental Clarity

Analog activities not only ground us in the present but also counteract the mental fatigue that comes with constant digital engagement. Some points to consider here:

• Rediscover hobbies. Offline activities like gardening, painting, woodworking or playing an instrument spark creativity and relaxation. They promote mindfulness by immersing you in the process, sans distractions. You will notice that learning to play a new song on a guitar or growing your first tomato plant offers a sense of achievement that digital experiences can rarely replicate.
• Prioritize real-life connections. Technology enables instant communication but often lacks the depth of face-to-face interactions. Make time for meaningful moments—whether through heartfelt conversations, family game nights or joining community groups. These face-to-face experiences foster emotional bonds, build a sense of belonging, and remind us of the importance of human connection.
• Immerse yourself in nature. Nature is a powerful antidote to stress. A simple walk in the park or a hike in the woods can lower blood pressure, ease anxiety and boost cognitive function. Activities like stargazing or birdwatching help you reconnect with natural rhythms, offering perspective and calm amid digital noise.
• Engage in analog rituals. Incorporate simple analog practices to reclaim mental clarity. Write in a journal, enjoy your coffee without screens or read a physical book. These intentional rituals create moments of reflection and stillness in your day.

4. Elevate Your Cognitive Fitness With 'Cross-Training For The Brain'

Think of your brain as a high-performance tool that thrives on diverse challenges. Keep it sharp by balancing intellectual tasks in ways that demand both focus and creativity.

• Switch focus to recharge. After consuming mindless content like social media, refresh your mental energy with challenging activities—read a complex article, take a professional course or play a strategic game (like chess or a business simulation). These tasks stimulate your brain, enhancing focus and critical thinking.
• Diverse intellectual workouts. Add variety to your mental routine by alternating tasks. Read in-depth analyses or listen to thought-provoking podcasts, then switch to writing concise reports or taking short courses in topics like design or philosophy. Engaging different cognitive skills—logic, creativity and problem-solving—broadens your mental agility.
• Stretch your mind with reflection. Shift from passive consumption to active learning by reflecting on complex ideas. Summarize insights from a historical event, scientific discovery or business trend. This reflective practice sharpens memory and deepens your thinking.

Next time you feel the pull of mindless scrolling, pause and ask yourself—is this feeding my growth or contributing to brain rot? That simple question might be the first step toward a healthier, more intentional relationship with technology.

Wondering if your social media habits are unhealthy? Take the science-based Doomscrolling Scale Testto see if you might have a "doomscrolling" issue.

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.