Jul 01, 2025
Aarushi Bhadury"Brain rot" is a newer idea suggesting that consuming too much low-quality online content might make your mind less sharp. It's like your brain is eating only unhealthy snacks instead of proper meals.
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Many people spend a lot of time on screens. In the U.S., half of teenagers are on screens four hours or more daily, and adults worldwide average over six hours. There are currently no official guidelines for how much screen time is healthy for teens or adults.
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Scientists don't have enough clear information to fully understand "brain rot" and its long-term effects. There isn't yet a complete scientific explanation for this idea, and more research is definitely needed.
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Even without clear answers on "brain rot," some data shows 1 in 4 teenagers who scroll a lot report feeling anxious or depressed. Other research suggests that heavy online use in young people might be linked to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
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Problems from heavy online use might also show up physically. Some studies suggest a link to physical symptoms like pain, dizziness, or nausea in adolescents who spend a lot of time in front of screens.
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The real harm might be what people, especially young people, are not doing while on screens. They might miss out on physical activity and face-to-face interactions crucial for a developing brain to get varied and complex sensory and emotional input.
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Brain development needs many different experiences. When you're on your phone, you're often substituting artificial interactions for complex human ones. These digital interactions lack the rich verbal, sensory, and emotional reactions from real human connection.
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It's not just how much time you spend on screens, but also what kind of content you're looking at. Consuming too much low-quality online content can warp your view of reality and negatively affect your mental well-being, leaving you mentally exhausted.
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Finding a healthier online balance is challenging because so much of modern life is online. While screens are a big part of kids' lives for information, adults need to help choose good content and ensure it doesn't cause mental fatigue.
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To use screens more wisely, it's advised to avoid scrolling right before bedtime, as it can affect sleep. Families should create screen-time plans together that encourage creativity and connections.
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