“Brain Rot” Is the Word of the Year. But Do You Know What It Means?

This Year, the Use of the Term Increased by 230% Among the Public

The phrase “brain rot” was chosen by the Oxford Dictionary as the 2024 word of the year. The term was first introduced by writer Henry David Thoreau in his book Walden, published in 1854. Today, this term usually describes the condition of “mental fogginess, lethargy, reduced attention span, and cognitive decline” caused mainly by the excessive consumption of low-quality online materials.

This year, its use increased by 230% among the public from 2023, displacing other competing terms, including “slop” (low-quality content generated by artificial intelligence), “lore” (set of supposed facts and base information for understanding), and “romantasy” (a word that combines literary elements such as romantic fiction and fantasy).

Nurturing a Healthy Mind

Although the term “brain rot” has been embraced by many, it has not succeeded in raising awareness about the unproductive way people are using the internet—a prevalent trend today. Spending hours scrolling through social media feeds and having constant access to various content does not equate to gaining valid knowledge for personal growth, as many believe.

But how can we keep our minds healthy in this heavy influx of content? It’s simple: by setting limits. Detoxing through fasting and dietary restrictions is a common approach to eliminate toxins from the body. However, this practice can also have significant benefits for mental well-being. Setting aside time to abstain from secular information and focusing on self-care is one of many ways to contribute to a truly healthy mind.

Here Is the Recipe for a Digital Detox

1) Set goals. Set, for example, a period to stay disconnected. It could be a few hours a day or even one day a week.

2) Put your cell phone aside during everyday moments, such as meals or visits. Using it in the bathroom is a common habit; instead, consider swapping it for a book.
 
3) Disable notifications; they are the main villains of concentration.
 
4) Create spaces in your home where technology is absent, such as the kitchen and bedroom.
 
5) Practice new activities without using your cell phone or the internet, such as physical exercise, meditation, painting, walking, or reading.

Bonus Tip

Want to consume content that will make a positive difference in your life? Check out the social media of The Universal Church (click here) or the Univer Vídeo streaming platform. There, you will find an exclusive selection of series, films, documentaries, and meditations focused on your emotional and, above all, spiritual growth. Check it out now by visiting the website univervideo.com.