- The term “brain rot” has been named the Oxford Word of the Year for 2024, reflecting concerns about the mental impact of consuming low-quality online content
- Originating from Henry David Thoreau’s 1854 book Walden, “brain rot” has gained prominence among Gen Z and Gen Alpha on platforms like TikTok
- The term encapsulates both the trivial content prevalent online and its potential negative effects on mental health, particularly for younger generations
“Brain rot” as a term has been selected as the Oxford Word of the Year for 2024, following a public vote involving over 37,000 participants.
This term, defined as the deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state due to overconsumption of trivial online content, reflects growing societal concerns about the impact of low-quality digital media.
Selection Process and Public Vote
Oxford Languagescreated a shortlist of …