Brain rot is a slang term for a perceived mental decline that comes from scrolling through trivial and silly videos and too much other online content. It may result in a struggle to focus.

“It’s what happens when you consume too much low-quality online content, which is like junk food for the brain,” said Dr. Andreana Benitez, associate professor at the Medical University of South Carolina.

The term “brain rot” is not really new; author Henry David Thoreau used it in his 1854 book Walden to call people out for preferring trivial ideas over complex ones. In 2024, it was named Oxford’s word of the year, and in 2025, the term gained further notoriety when Pope Francis used the Italian equivalent, “putrefazione cerebrale,” to urge people to reduce social media use. 

While not a formal medical diagnosis, experts link “brain rot” behaviors to several challenges that kids have: 

• Shortened Attention Span: Difficulty focusing on longer, complex tasks after being so used to watching short nonsensical videos.
• Memory Impairment: Mindless scrolling can damage the brain’s ability to understand and remember information.
• Mental Fatigue: Information overload from constant notifications and constant scrolling viewing leaves the brain feeling drained.
• Emotional Impacts: Excessive use is associated with increased anxiety, depression, and a negative self-esteem due to social comparisons. 

There is research suggesting that adolescents who spend a lot of time in front of screens may be more likely to have mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder, as well as related physical symptoms such as pain, dizziness or nausea.  

“Brain Rot” is not a final diagnosis. It can be reversed through lifestyle changes: 

Unplug and Socialize: Encourage your kids to spend time outdoors and be sure to join them frequently. Expose them to in-person interactions, which help them think and process more than digital content does.

Set Digital Boundaries: Use app timers, turn off unnecessary notifications, and create tech-free zones like the bedroom.

Engage in “Brain Workouts”: Replace your kids screen time with mentally stimulating activities like reading, puzzles, learning a new language, or hobbies.

Take social media breaks. Every now and then, encourage your whole family to take social media breaks, whether it’s one day a week, or a week-long fast. You may be surprised to learn that you really don’t miss it that much!

I was recently shut down by Facebook and Instagram after getting hacked. After three weeks without them, I can honestly say I don’t miss them much. I surely don’t miss wasting my time reading unimportant information and I am glad to not see postings that anger or irritate me. It remains to be seen as to whether I will get back in, and I haven’t decided whether I even want to.

Kids are not the only ones who can suffer from brain rot. If we as adults allow our lives to be consumed by the digital world, we are not only contributing to our own brain decline, we are missing out on being present to the people in our lives now and focusing on what is in front of us. In fact, I’ve been thinking about this so much, it has given me my word for 2026:

NEAR-MINDED: Grounded in the present place or moment, valuing what’s at hand over what’s far away, emotionally or perceptually local.

If you’d like help being more present with your kids or if you struggle with any part of parenting, please schedule a free intro call here. Don’t let another year go by without getting the tools you need to parent effectively and efficiently.