Are you ready?
It was BRAIN ROT! - Are you surprised?
No surprises here, right? Oxford Languages has crowned "Brain Rot" as the Word of the Year, and honestly, it feels like a long-overdue acknowledgment of what most have been feeling. How often do you see it in others…or yourself? The mental fog, the anxiety, the endless scrolling. "Brain Rot" perfectly captures the cost of some of our unchecked online habits.
A REFLECTION OF OUR TIMES
Each year, Oxford Languages selects a Word of the Year based on its cultural significance and how it reflects the mood of society. This year, "Brain Rot" emerged as the term encapsulating our collective struggles with the mental toll of excessive screen time and digital distractions.
Think about it. How often do you grab your phone during a free moment, only to look up and realize hours have vanished? You're not alone. From classrooms to living rooms, the effects of overuse are everywhere. Here’s just some stats from our own research and initiatives we’ve run:
58% of young people said social media affects their productivity, leaving them unfocused and unmotivated.
Many report spending 7+ hours a day online, that's close to, or is a full-time jobs12.
And it’s starting young—kids as young as 4 years old are creating social media accounts.
This isn't just a tech issue. It's a wellbeing issue. And the term "Brain Rot" puts a name to what we've been seeing for years.
THE EMOTIONAL TOLL OF SCREEN TIME
The numbers are alarming, but so are the personal stories. Our surveys revealed that well over 50% of youth admitted social media negatively impacts their emotional wellbeing, leading to anxiety, comparison, and even disrupted sleep.
It’s not just kids, either. Families and individuals participating in our 828 Sundays initiative described the realization that downtime has become synonymous with mindless scrolling. A few parents admitted they’d forgotten how much joy could come from simply playing outside with their kids.
A CALL TO ACTION FOR OUR ADULTS
Parents, grandparents, and guardians: we need to act. "Brain Rot" doesn’t have to define us. Here’s how you can take charge:
Set boundaries
Create screen-free times like during meals, before bed, or after school.
Encourage outdoor play
Let kids explore, get bored, and tap into their creativity. Unstructured play is where real learning happens.
Be the Example
If you’re constantly glued to your device, why should your kids behave differently?
Educate your family
Use these stats to spark conversations about the impact of too much screen time.
FROM BRAIN ROT TO BRAIN RESET
We’re not here to villainize technology. Tech has its place—but it shouldn’t replace real-world connections. Let’s reclaim our focus, creativity, and presence.
So, the question is: Are you going to let "Brain Rot" be the word that defines your family? Or will you take the steps today to rewrite the narrative?
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
At Digital Discipline, we’re working to help families. Individuals, schools and organizations set healthier digital boundaries. Join us, share your experiences, and take back control of your time.
“Brain Rot”—Is It Really a Surprise? Let’s fix it before it’s too late.
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