For the chronically online (aka us and probably you), we’ve heard this term being thrown around trivially over the past year. But the term has actually achieved ✨word of the year✨ status.
This follows a public vote out of six words picked by language experts to reflect the moods of the year. Other finalist words included demure and lore.
The definition of ‘brain rot’ is “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterised as likely to lead to such deterioration”.
The phrase ‘brain rot’ gained attention in 2024 as a term to describe the impact of over-consuming social media or low-value online content and the negative impacts this can have on society and individuals. Apaz, the term increased by 230% from last year!
Used consistently online, especially by Gen-Z in a funny or self-deprecating way, alongside other ‘brain rot language’ like ‘skibidi’ which means something nonsensical.
However, TikTok queens didn’t invent the term – it was first recorded in 1854 in a book called Walden, where the author criticises how society devalues complex ideas for simple ones.
As word of the year, ‘brain rot’ is opening up serious conversations about the potential negative impacts that excessive consumption of online content can have on the younger generation.
Avoid brain rot and check out these things you need to do before 2024 ends!