By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
In a world dominated by social media and digital content, the Oxford Word of the Year for 2024, brain rot, encapsulates the growing concerns about the adverse effects of consuming excessive low-quality online material. From Instagram reels to TikTok scrolls, many find themselves caught in a cycle of mindless content consumption, leading to a decline in intellectual and mental engagement. This term has gained significant traction, reflecting the collective anxieties of a society grappling with the pervasive impact of the virtual world on our cognitive well-being.
The concept of brain rot, despite its current prominence, is not new. Its origins trace back to 1854, when American author Henry David Thoreau used the phrase in his book Walden. Thoreau criticized society's tendency to devalue complex ideas and intellectual effort, equating it to a cultural malaise. Today, the term has resurfaced, particularly among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, to describe the overwhelming presence of trivial and unchallenging content online. Over the past year, its usage has skyrocketed by 230%, a testament to its resonance in the digital age.
Psychologists and linguists view brain rot as more symbolic than scientific. Andrew Przybylski, a professor of psychology at Oxford University, highlights that the term reflects dissatisfaction with the digital world rather than a proven mental deterioration. It offers a way to articulate the unease many feel about the endless stream of low-value content and the time lost in the depths of social media feeds. According to Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, brain rot is emblematic of society's preoccupation with how the internet shapes our lives, paralleling past words of the year like "selfie" and "rizz," which captured distinct aspects of digital culture.
The influence of online communities in shaping modern language cannot be understated. Just as last year’s word "rizz" emerged from social media vernacular, brain rot underscores the evolving relationship between language, technology, and culture. This year's shortlist of contenders, including terms like "demure," "dynamic pricing," and "romantasy," also reflects the blend of online trends and broader societal themes. While "romantasy" highlights the popular genre that combines romance and fantasy, "dynamic pricing" points to economic shifts amplified by digital platforms.
Oxford is not alone in spotlighting language trends. Cambridge Dictionary recently selected "manifest," popularized by global wellness movements, as its word of the year. Similarly, Collins Dictionary chose "brat," which gained prominence thanks to Charli XCX's viral album and its cultural movement. Dictionar, in turn, honored "demure," a word humorously co-opted by TikTok creators to parody traditional femininity.
Brain rot’s rise to prominence captures a moment of reflection in a society increasingly shaped by screens. It is a reminder to balance digital engagement with mindful consumption, emphasizing the importance of protecting our intellectual and emotional well-being in the face of endless scrolling.
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