What is "brain rot" and how does excessive scrolling affect our brains?

Oxford University Press has selected 'brain rot' as its word of the year.

The supposed decline of a person's mental or intellectual abilities due to excessive consumption of trivial or unchallenging online content is often referred to as "digital distraction."

Some experts contend that incessant scrolling of social media and other online content is detrimental to our brains.

Dr. Kyra Bobinet, a behavioral neuroscientist and author of "Unstoppable Brain," discussed the increasing recognition of brain decay and its effects with Planet Chronicle Digital.

Bobinet, a California-based individual, stated that it is currently common for people to struggle with their attention span. They experience brain fog, reduced concentration, and are unable to perform deep work.

"Additionally, there is an epidemic of loneliness that has been following closely behind this, as we are unable to concentrate on anything, including building relationships."

Stuck in a scroll

The habenula, a specific region of the brain, is responsible for the habit of getting stuck in endless scrolling, according to Bobinet.

The habenula, a crucial part of the brain responsible for motivation and decision-making, can also diminish our drive to attempt when activated, as she pointed out.

"When you know you should be doing something but do the opposite, like 'doom-scrolling,' it's the heart of procrastination," she said.

Bobinet stated that scrolling on social media can be a way to "disconnect" and give the brain a break after a long day, which is an "avoidance behavior" controlled by the habenula.

She stated that when you're avoiding something, the relevant part of the brain is activated.

Social media addictions can develop, Bobinet cautioned, as this area of the brain can make it "extremely uncomfortable" to stop scrolling.

The neuroscientist cautioned that there is a risk of losing motivation if the sentence is rewritten in an alternative version.

"Motivation is essential for living a fulfilling life, feeling proud of oneself, being confident, and achieving our goals," she stated to Planet Chronicle Digital.

How to avoid brain rot

According to Bobinet, there isn't a single solution that works for everyone in preventing brain decay.

To find what works best for the individual, it's necessary to make adjustments, tweak, and tinker as needed, she stated.

""If we know the truth about our bodies, we can take action to be resilient," she said."

Newport Healthcare's national adviser of healthy device management, Dr. Don Grant, criticized device manufacturers and content providers for addicting users to their devices.

"These algorithms, created by clever individuals, utilize our limbic system in the same way that slot machines do, according to the speaker. As a result, pulling the handle can lead to unpredictable outcomes."

Grant expressed concern about the demise of certain things, including imagination.

"We don't have to imagine anymore," he said. "We pick up our devices every time. I'm worried about memory. I'm worried about education."

Grant stated that he frequently receives complaints from children about spending eight hours each night scrolling and watching videos, which negatively impacts their sleep habits.

"I ask, 'Can you recall one video you watched?' and no child has been able to do so yet."

Grant warned that our brain matter, memories, and attention spans are all diminishing.

"I'm worried about memory. I'm worried about education."

To prevent children from getting trapped in a "doom scroll" of "endless, bottomless" content, the expert provided some tips.

Grant pointed out that "archived forever" on the internet does not justify using "FOMO" as a reason to remain online.

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He proposed calling a friend or video chatting with grandma during the holidays.

Grant advises individuals to allocate 80% of their online time to "meaningful, legitimate" content and 20% to entertainment.

""To promote digital hygiene and well-being, you can establish limits, block access, and set tech-free times and zones in your home, particularly for families," advised Grant."

"Engage in outdoor activities, exercise a muscle, and play mentally stimulating or educational games."

To evaluate the quality of time spent, the expert advises individuals to ask themselves a few questions after scrolling.

Could you provide me with information on the amount of time you spent online? Did you feel that you spent more time online than you intended?

Are you concerned about the potential risks of virtual existence and how you're spending your leisure time? Ultimately, do you feel content with yourself at the conclusion of it all?