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Oxford University Press chooses “brain rot” as word of the year.
This word is defined as “Deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual condition. This is especially seen as a result of excessive content consumption. (Currently, especially online content) which is considered trivial or unchallenging. Additionally: Things that are of a nature likely to lead to such deterioration.”
Some experts believe that the constant, endless scrolling of social media and other online content is doing exactly that. which causes our brains to decay
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Behavioral neuroscientist Kyra Bobinet, M.D., author of “Unstoppable Brain,” told Fox News Digital that there is increasing awareness of brain rot and its consequences.
Oxford University Press chose “brain rot” as its word of the year. “Problem identification,” as one expert put it. (Istock)
“It is a spiritual matter where people have trouble concentrating. They feel brain fog. There is less concentration… They can’t do deep work,” said Bobinet from California.
“And there is an epidemic of loneliness that continues to follow this story. Because we can’t focus on anything, including building relationships.”
Stuck in scroll
A part of the brain called the habenula. It’s responsible for endless scrolling, according to Bobinet.
The habenula is an important part of the brain involved in various important functions. including motivation and decision making But when activated This area can also “It destroys our motivation to try,” she noted.
Studies link mental health risks to this toxin for people born in the 60s or 70s.
“It’s the essence of when you know you’re supposed to do something. And instead you do other things like ‘disaster scrolling,’” she said.
“This is the area of our brain that, when it opens up, we feel depressed We feel out of control We feel impulsive. We feel addicted,” one neuroscientist said of the habenula. (Istock)
Scrolling through social media is one way to “detach” and help the brain rest after a long day, says Bobinet. This is an “avoidance behavior” that the habenula controls.
Excessive social media use has many of the same effects as substance abuse. experts say
“Whenever you are avoiding something You know that this part of your brain is on,” she said.
Bobinet warns about how social media addiction can develop. This is because this part of the brain can make stopping scrolling “very painful.”
“Loneliness is rampant and creeps in because we can’t focus on anything, including building relationships,” says one expert. (Istock)
This can result in a “dangerous” loss of motivation, neuroscientists warn.
“We all need motivation in life. and feel proud of yourself and feeling confident and getting what we wanted,” she told Fox News Digital.
How to keep your brain from rotting
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to avoiding brain rot, according to Bobinet.
The key is learning what works best for each individual, she said, which involves “tweaking, repairing, and adjusting as you go,” she said.
“Humans are very resilient,” she added. “When we know the truth about our bodies, We will be able to do something about it.”
Scrolling through social media is a way to “detach” and help the brain relax after a long day, which is “avoidance behavior,” says one neuroscientist. (Istock)
Dr. Don Grant is a national consultant for healthcare device management at Newport Healthcare in Los Angeles. Calling on device makers and content producers to keep users glued to their devices
“They are very smart. These creators who create these algorithms and also exploit our limbic system. Just like people who build slot machines do,” he told Fox News Digital, “pull the handle… You never know what you’re going to get.”
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Grant said he is concerned about The “death of something” includes imagination.
“We don’t have to imagine anything anymore,” he said. “We pick up the equipment every time. Worried about memory Worried about education”
Grant said he often hears from kids. that they spent eight hours scrolling and watching videos at night, which “disrupted their sleep hygiene”
One expert said he often hears from children. that they spent eight hours scrolling and watching videos at night, which “disrupted their sleep hygiene” (Istock)
“And I said, ‘OK, can you tell me about one video that you remember?’ I still don’t have a single child who can actually remember what they saw.”
“Our brain tissue is shrinking. Our memories are waning (and) our attention span is waning,” Grant warns.
“I’m worried about my memory. I am worried about education.”
Experts have offered some tips to avoid getting stuck. “Disaster postponement” of the content “Endless, Deep” especially for children
Because of the internet “Archived,” Grant noted, “FOMO,” or the fear of missing out, It’s not a valid reason to be online.
See more health articles at foxnews.com/health
“may Call a friend or FaceTime your grandma during the holidays,” he advises.
Grant also urged people to be more strategic with their time online. Divided into content It is 80% “meaningful and legal” and 20% entertaining.
One expert is calling for people to be more strategic about how they spend their time online. Divided into content It is 80% “meaningful and legal” and 20% entertaining. (Istock)
“For digital health and well-being You can set limits. and block access,” says Grant. “Set time and technology-free zones in your home. Especially for families.”
“Go outside. Move your muscles… Play memory games Intellectual challenge game or educational games”
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Experts also encourage people to ask themselves a few questions after scrolling to help assess the quality of their time spent.
These might include: “Can you tell me how long you have been online? Are you taking more time than you need to? Do you feel better?”
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Grant added: “There is a recognition of the dangers of virtual life. and how we spend our free time In the end Do you feel really good about yourself?”
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