Between the Sephora kids and Skibidi Toilets one thing every high schooler is familiar with: Brain Rot.
Brain Rot has a few different definitions, it’s a slang term that some describe as having extensive knowledge of niche internet meme culture, whereas the Newport Institute calls it “a state of mental fogginess and cognitive decline that results from excessive screen engagement,” according to the article Brain Rot: The Impact on Young Adult Mental health.
Cognitive decline can mean a lot of different things including, loss of ability to think, learn, pay attention, reason, and remember. These traits are generally considered bad since someone who exhibits them is seen as brainless, and could be overwhelmed when asked to do certain tasks.
Brain Rot, as well as the decline in intellect that comes with it, is also known as being “extremely” or “chronically online.” Each of these terms refers to someone whose existence revolves around the internet and is practically always online, especially through social media.
The age of digital overload emerged in the mid-2010s, but was popularized in the 2020s. The joke is based in truth and from concerns about the web’s effect on people. Which are problems that are often overlooked.
Internet trends are a forgotten issue for Brain Rot. Looksmaxing and anti-aging routines attack kids even before puberty. Making them self conscious and wanting to spend absurd amounts of money on what product their favorite influencers say will fix their problems. This typically ends up being a waste of time and money since they rarely, if ever, work.
These trends lead to overconsumption. When kids who are considered to have Brain Rot they’re often targeted by trends, because they aren’t able to process when ads or sponsorships are trying to get them to buy something, since their cognitive function and development is stunted.
This will leave us with future generations unable to think, buying whatever product the next influencer is sponsoring because we’ll be unable to listen to reason or pay attention for more than five seconds. Brain Rot is a great meme, but it’s detrimental to society.
