Mumbai: You may have come across the term “brain rot” while scrolling the Internet, but what is brain rot exactly? In recent years, brain rot has become a common phrase, especially among Gen Z, referring to the sensation of your brain turning to mush after spending endless hours mindlessly scrolling through social media platforms.
Recent studies reveal that nearly 93 per cent of the global population has access to the internet, with 60 per cent of those individuals—around 4.8 billion people—are on social media daily. This overwhelming exposure to content on social media can lead to what many now call ‘brain rot’.
The impact of social media on our brains
Social media is an integral part of our lives. Whether we are following our favourite celebrity, catching up on the latest memes, or keeping track of sports teams, social media platforms offer endless ways to gratify users. However, excessive and mindless engagement with these platforms can result in brain rot, a condition that makes it harder to focus on complex tasks and comprehend intricate ideas.
Symptoms of brain rot in the digital age
A national survey of 50,000 parents from various Indian cities found that 60 per cent of youngsters, aged between 9 and 17, spend over three hours daily on social media or on gaming sites. The risk of brain rot significantly increases with such prolonged use of social media, especially among teenagers and young adults who spend countless hours creating and curating their social feeds.
In Maharashtra, nearly 17 per cent of parents reported that their children spend over six hours a day on social media, while across other states, 22 per cent confirmed similar patterns. Surprisingly, only 10 per cent of parents observed their children being happier after using the Internet.
How to prevent brain rot?
While brain rot isn’t inevitable for all internet users, the need to monitor social media usage is essential. Streaming movies, using the internet for education, and connecting with friends are productive uses of digital platforms. However, to prevent brain rot, we must be mindful of how much time is spent on platforms designed to captivate and hold our attention.
A 2022 report by US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy highlighted the link between more than three hours of daily social media use and the rise of anxiety and depression in teenagers. Another survey by LocalCircles indicated that excessive use of social media could lead to negative emotions such as aggression, impatience, hyperactivity, and even sadness.
Brain rot, a term used to describe the cognitive decline from excessive social media use, affects millions. Discover the symptoms and how to combat this digital addiction. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
