Oxford’s 2024 Word of the Year: ‘Brain Rot’ Reflects Digital Age Concerns

OXFORD, England — The Oxford Word of the Year for 2024 is “brain rot,” a term that reflects growing concerns about the mental toll of excessive online content consumption. The phrase, which describes the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental state due to overconsumption of trivial or unchallenging material, has seen a 230% increase in usage from 2023 to 2024, according to Oxford University Press.

The concept of brain rot is not new. It dates back to 1854, when Henry David Thoreau used the term in his work “Walden.” However, its modern resurgence is tied to the rise of social media and the proliferation of low-quality online content. Pope Francis has even weighed in, warning Catholic clergymen about the dangers of an “obsession with screens” and the consumption of toxic, superficial, and violent fake news.

Pope Francis suggested that engaging with rich, meaningful literature—such as the works of Shakespeare, Dante, and Cervantes—could help counteract the effects of brain rot. This recommendation echoes a broader cultural concern about the decline of deep, reflective reading in favor of mindless scrolling.

The term “brain rot” gained traction in part due to its relevance to modern life. Many people report feeling mentally drained after hours of scrolling through social media, a phenomenon that has been likened to the fictional character Don Quixote, whose obsession with chivalric novels led him to lose touch with reality. In Miguel de Cervantes’ 1605 novel, Don Quixote’s brain “dried up” from excessive reading, causing him to believe he was a knight-errant.

Modern parallels to Don Quixote’s plight are easy to find. Viral videos of people engaging in absurd or destructive behavior for online attention have become a staple of internet culture. One such video, which shows a prank involving gallons of milk being thrown in a grocery store, has garnered over 40 million views on YouTube. Critics argue that this type of content contributes to a culture of brain rot, where meaningful engagement is replaced by fleeting entertainment.

Fyodor Dostoevsky once called “Don Quixote” “the saddest book ever written” because it is a story of disillusionment. Today, that disillusionment is reflected in the lives of many who seek fulfillment through internet fame or mindless consumption. Unlike Cervantes’ novel, however, much of today’s online content lacks depth or meaning, leaving consumers mentally and emotionally unfulfilled.

Experts warn that the effects of brain rot are not just anecdotal. Mental health professionals have noted a rise in burnout and mental stagnation, particularly among younger generations. Brittany Cilento Kopycienski, a mental health therapist, explains that activities like binge-watching TV or scrolling through social media can numb the brain over time. “These trends are a response to a world that’s made us feel like we must be performing in every moment of our lives,” she says.

While some argue that occasional disengagement can be restorative, others caution against turning brain rot into a lifestyle. Psychologist Dr. Sarah Slavens emphasizes the importance of intentional rest and proactive habits to combat burnout. “The best thing we can do is redefine what rest looks like in a digital age,” she says. “Rather than reactively rotting, we should be building systems of proactive healthy habits.”

As the world grapples with the challenges of the digital age, the term “brain rot” serves as a reminder of the need for balance. Whether through literature, meaningful conversations, or intentional breaks from screens, finding ways to nourish the mind remains a critical task for individuals and societies alike.