In a nod to the digital age’s influence on everyday life, Oxford University Press has named “brain rot” as its Word of the Year for 2024. The phrase captures mounting concerns about the effects of mindless media consumption on cognitive health.
The Definition: “Brain rot” describes the perceived decline in mental sharpness or intellectual health stemming from overexposure to trivial or low-quality content, particularly online. Over the past year, the phrase has gained traction, symbolizing a growing awareness of the consequences of endless scrolling and binge-watching.
This year’s Word of the Year selection process included linguistic analysis and public input, with “brain rot” chosen from a shortlist of six finalists. Its usage has reportedly surged by over 200% in everyday conversation, online posts, and discussions about media habits.
Why It Matters: The selection of “brain rot” signals widespread concern over how digital culture is shaping mental and emotional well-being. With younger generations, like Gen Z and Gen Alpha, spending significant amounts of time consuming online content, the term reflects a shared recognition of the need for balance between screen time and healthier habits.
Experts point to the term as a reminder to critically assess how technology is being used and its implications for mental health. The phrase shows the importance of seeking enriching, thoughtful engagement, whether online or off.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
