Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your phone, only to realize hours have passed and you can’t quite remember what you were looking at? You might laugh it off as harmless procrastination, but what if this behavior is doing more than just stealing your time? What if it’s rewiring your brain in ways, you don’t even realize?

So, what is considered brain rot? The phenomenon, increasingly being referred to as “brain rot,” is a term so popular that it was named Oxford’s Word of the Year in 2024. Defined as “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,” brain rot highlights a growing concern in the digital age.

There’s a difference between casual phone use and compulsive screen time that leaves you unable to disconnect. While casual use can be harmless, chronic overuse has serious implications, especially for children. This article explores how excessive screen time is affecting cognitive function, with a particular focus on younger generations.

The Impact of Internet Usage on Cognitive Function

In 2019, researchers uncovered compelling evidence suggesting that internet usage might be reshaping how our brains function. While it’s too early to fully grasp the long-term consequences, early findings point to significant changes in how we process information, focus, and form social connections. The convenience of endless digital content makes it easy to consume large amounts of trivial material–but at what cost? Many adults report reduced attention spans, difficulty retaining information, and a diminished ability to engage in deep, critical thinking.

If adults are already feeling these effects, what about children, whose brains are still in critical stages of development?

Brain Rot in Children: A Cause for Concern

Unlike adults, children and adolescents are in rapid stages of brain growth. Their neural pathways are shaped by daily experiences and environments. Excessive screen time during these formative years could have profound, lasting effects. A study led by Dan Wu and his team at Zhejiang University examined the impact of device usage on cognition, behavior, and brain volume in adolescents.

“When they devote a lot of time to these new media, it may reduce their investment in other activities, such as reading, physical activity, or sleep time. These factors may directly or indirectly affect the healthy development of children and adolescents,” said Wu. His findings revealed that increased screen time was linked to:

  • Adverse effects on language skills
  • Higher rates of depression
  • Increased social problems
  • Reduced brain volume in areas related to language processing

One of the most alarming takeaways was how screen use cut into children’s reading time. Reading is essential for building language skills, developing critical thinking, and fostering imagination. Without it, children lose out on key developmental opportunities.

A Wake-Up Call for Parents

For adults, brain rot may seem like a minor inconvenience–a side effect of modern life. But for children, it’s far more serious. Excessive screen usage can hinder critical developmental activities that shape who they will become.

Reducing screen time isn’t just about limiting digital entertainment. It’s about creating space for healthier activities that contribute to well-rounded growth. Encouraging reading, outdoor play, and social engagement can support better cognitive and emotional development.

What Can We Do?

Screens are a part of life, but that doesn’t mean they have to take over. Here are some practical steps to manage screen time effectively:

  1. Set clear boundaries: Establish specific times for screen use and stick to them.
  2. Encourage diverse activities: Promote alternatives like reading, puzzles, sports, and creative play.
  3. Be a role model: Children mirror adult behavior. By managing your own screen time, you set a positive example.
  4. Protect sleep: Ensure devices are put away well before bedtime to promote restful sleep.

Final Thoughts

“Brain rot” might sound like a buzzword, but it calls attention to a real and growing issue. For adults, it’s a reminder to engage with digital content mindfully. For children, it’s a call to protect their development during critical years.

At Neurologics, we believe in equipping families with knowledge and strategies to support optimal brain health. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, we can help prevent the adverse effects of excessive screen time and foster brighter futures for the next generation.