Brainrot, the internet addiction that makes you look less intelligent

If someone from your close circle speaks almost exclusively through Internet linksYou may be experiencing a condition known as brain rot or rotten brainin Spanish. This term refers to the consumption of low-value Internet content and the consequences caused by spending too much time with it. This means that there is no longer any other way to say or think that the one dictated by the algorithm on duty.

This is not so much about Internet addiction, motivated mainly by the use of mobile phones, but about numbness of mind caused by excessive consumption of certain content. Do you go on Instagram or TikTok to pass the time and before you know it, you’ve already been there for an hour? Do you keep referring to phrases used on social media instead of thinking or speaking for yourself? you could be suffers from a brain disorder and you still haven’t realized it.

What is brain rot?

“Brain rot” is not a particularly new term. It was first heard of in 2007, and researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital linked it to problematic use of interactive media. Michael Rich, a pediatrician who founded the Digital Wellness Lab, says his patients refer to “brain rot” as “a way of describing what happens when you spend too much time on the internetand you have moved your consciousness to the online space instead of real life and filter everything through the prism of what is published and what can be published.

“One of the easiest ways to tell if someone’s brain is being damaged by social media is to notice how often they refers to internet slang“Says influencer Joel Cave in a video posted to TikTok. “The fact that the Internet can become so ingrained in our brains that people don’t even control what they say seems crazy to me.”

And this is a real problem, because, as Rich notes, “suffering brain rot can even be considered prideby competing with other users to see who spends the most time in front of a screen. According to an article published by the Newport Institute, which specializes in adolescent mental health, “brain rot” can manifest itself in different ways, e.g. compulsive video game useyou don’t have to be addicted; walking while browsing social media on your phone; jumping from one video to another without meaning or specific purpose; searching for disturbing or negative information…

But for Rich and experts at Boston Children’s Hospital’s Digital Well-Being Lab, “brain rot” is less about internet addiction and more about a defense mechanism for some people who may have other underlying disorders that leave them numb to the internet. pointless review of social networks or video games. “The Internet or games are used, for example, by children with ADHD who spend the day at school with the feeling that they are not keeping up and cannot follow what is happening not only in the classroom, but even on the playground for recreation. “Rich explained.

How to prevent a brain crisis

The Newport Institute makes several recommendations on how to prevent brain rot:

1. Limit screen time: The vast majority of mobile phones have the ability to offer information about consumption time, both for the phone in general and for individual applications in particular. It would be good to take a closer look and, if you find yourself spending too much time mindlessly browsing social media, monitor your usage time.
2. Clear the accounts you follow: This is a good habit to protect your mental health because it allows you to take control of what you consume without being influenced by sensational or negative information. Be critical: Does this story increase your anxiety or anger? Eliminate her without mercy.
3. Find a hobby: The Newport Institute recommends finding hobbies or activities outside of your cell phone, such as listening to music, reading books, learning to play a musical instrument, exercising, or any activity that helps you relax outside of using devices.
4. Prioritize your social links: How long has it been since you met your best friend for coffee? Have you replaced long conversations with short messages on WhatsApp? Leave your phone at home and meet real people, this will not only help you prevent brain rot, but also make you happier.
5. The mind is a muscle, strengthen it: Like the muscles in the rest of the body, the brain can be exercised, for example, by learning a new language, playing board games or reading a good book. It is important to resist the immediate gratification that causes us to seek comfort in the face of difficulty.
6. Digital detox: This recommendation goes beyond limiting screen time. This means you completely switch off for a period of time, which helps you become more aware of your own thoughts, perceptions and habits. The Newport Institute says that disconnecting from social media for seven days significantly improves mental well-being.
7. Seek professional support: If none of the recommendations have helped you and you experience severe anxiety when parting with your phone, seek help from a specialized specialist.