Oxford Word of the Year 'brain rot' reflects growing concern over excessive social media consumption

Oxford's 2024 Word of the Year, "brain rot," highlights worries about social media content affecting mental health.

Oxford University has chosen "brain rot" as its Word of the Year, reflecting growing concerns about the detrimental impact of excessive social media use on mental and intellectual health. The term saw a 230% increase in usage from 2023 to 2024, capturing widespread anxiety over low-quality, mind-numbing content prevalent on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Psychologist Andrew Przybylski of Oxford University notes that while "brain rot" is not a scientifically recognized phenomenon, it encapsulates the collective dissatisfaction many feel about the overwhelming nature of online content. According to Przybylski, the term describes a broader societal concern about the devaluation of intellectual engagement, particularly with trivial or shallow material on social media. The phrase first appeared in Henry David Thoreau's 1854 book Walden, where Thoreau warned against the decline of intellectual effort in society, a sentiment that resonates with today’s online culture.

"Brain rot" initially gained traction among younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who use it to describe the overconsumption of content that lacks depth or value. However, the term has now entered mainstream usage, highlighting a widespread cultural shift. Oxford Languages President, Casper Grathwohl, explained that this word reflects society's increasing preoccupation with how the internet is shaping our lives, especially concerning the impact of virtual worlds on real-world interactions.

Other terms shortlisted for the Word of the Year included "demure," "dynamic pricing," and "romantasy," but "brain rot" ultimately triumphed due to its relevance in ongoing discussions about the evolving influence of digital spaces on human behavior and cognition.