“Brain rot” slang spreads as studies question heavy screen time

In short: “Brain rot” has become a common way to describe compulsive scrolling and low-effort content, and researchers are studying its possible effects on young people.

What's going on

“Brain rot” started as internet slang for the feeling of going numb from endless feeds, short videos, and repeating memes. People also use it to describe “brain rot words,” which are catchy joke phrases that spread fast on apps like TikTok and YouTube. Linguists say this is more like playful language than language “getting worse,” since people have always invented slang.

The bigger concern is not the joke words, but the habit behind them. One 2021 snapshot found U.S. kids ages 8 to 12 averaged about 5.5 hours of screen time a day, and teens averaged about 8.5 hours. A 2025 Pew survey found 40 percent of teens said they are online “almost constantly.” Schools have also reported that the most used apps tend to be social media, YouTube, and games, not education tools.

Some early research links heavy use to small changes in thinking skills. A large study that includes brain scans, often called the ABCD study, has linked two or more hours a day on social media with slight delays in development in an area tied to attention and emotions. Researchers stress the effects are small and not fully proven. Critics also argue the bigger harm may come from what screens replace, like sleep, sports, and homework.

What to watch

Experts often compare “brain rot” to candy, fine sometimes, but not as a main diet. As more studies come out, watch for clearer guidance for parents and schools about limits and healthier uses, like making things, learning, or talking with family instead of only scrolling.

Source: NYTimes