The word “brain rot” has been voted as the word of the year after its usage increased significantly among Gen Z. While it is not a medically recognized condition, experts believe it can be caused by excessive consumption of addictive memes and videos on social media. Oxford University Press defined “brain rot” as the perceived deterioration of a person’s intellectual state, especially through the overconsumption of trivial online material. The term was first recorded by US writer Henry David Thoreau in 1854, criticizing society’s tendency to devalue complex ideas, but has now taken on a new significance due to the popularity of social media video apps like TikTok.
The usage of the term “brain rot” rose by 230% from 2023 to 2024, particularly among younger communities and Gen Z. Casper Grathwohl, of Oxford Languages, noted that the word demonstrates a self-awareness among younger generations about the harmful impact of social media on their free time. The rise of social media video apps has led to concerns about the negative effects of excessive consumption of online content, leading to the popularity of the term “brain rot” among younger audiences. Other shortlisted words for the word of the year included “dynamic pricing”, “romantasy”, and “slop”, highlighting the various trends and concepts that have emerged in language and culture.
Last year’s top word was “rizz”, a slang term for romantic or sexual appeal that originated online. The changing landscape of digital communication and social media platforms has influenced the evolution of language and the popularity of new words and phrases among different generations. The selection of “brain rot” as the word of the year reflects concerns about the impact of social media on mental health and intellectual development, particularly among younger audiences who are more likely to engage with online content for extended periods. The term serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of excessive consumption of online material and the need for awareness among users of the impact on their intellectual state.
One organization mentioned in the article is dedicated to helping phone-addicted Gen Z-ers navigate the challenges of social media and mental health. With many young people admitting that they struggle to make friends and connect with others in person, there is a growing awareness of the need for support and education on how to use technology in a healthy and balanced way. As concerns about the negative effects of social media continue to grow, initiatives like this charity are working to provide resources and guidance to young people as they navigate the digital landscape. The rise of terms like “brain rot” and the recognition of the impact of social media on mental health highlight the importance of promoting positive online behavior and encouraging healthy habits among users of all ages.
