Brain Rot: Oxford's Word of the Year and How to Fight It

Do you feel mentally exhausted after hours of easy screen time? You are not alone. This feeling has a name: "brain rot." "Brain rot" is the Oxford Word of the Year for 2024. It describes the decline in focus and thinking skills from consuming too much easy information, like short videos and social media. Dr. Wendy Ross, a psychology expert, explains why it happens. "Our brains are both underworked, because the information is simple, and overworked, because there is so much of it," she says. "That's why scrolling leaves you tired." The condition is becoming more common. But experts say you can fight it. They suggest 12 ways to sharpen your mind. These tips range from changing your environment to specific "brain washing" techniques. A new quiz also lets you test your own mental fitness. The goal is to help people recover their attention in a world full of digital distractions.