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In an era of nonstop scrolling, endless notifications, and the increasing dominance of social media, the concept of “brain rot” has gained traction. The term, used to describe the idea that excessive digital consumption leads to diminished mental agility and cognitive decline, has become a staple in conversations about the negative effects of technology. But should we take this concept seriously?
Dr. Poppy Watson, an adjunct lecturer at UNSW’s School of Psychology, suggests that while the concept of “brain rot” warrants consideration, there is a lack of robust evidence to support the claim that endless doomscrolling on social media directly causes the mental fatigue and reduced cognitive function often attributed to it. “This isn’t to rule out the possibility that digital overexposure can have negative effects,” she says, “but current research doesn’t conclusively link it to cognitive decline.”
Dr. Watson, whose research focuses on environmental cues and their impact on behavior and motivation, explains that while there is a correlation between screen time and mental fatigue, it’s not yet clear that excessive use of digital devices is a direct cause. “The cognitive development of younger people may be influenced by many factors beyond social media use,” she notes. These include socioeconomic status, access to education, and diet—factors that research shows are significant predictors of brain health and function.
Moreover, Dr. Watson points to the “Flynn Effect,” the observed rise in average IQ scores since the early 20th century, as evidence that digital devices aren’t stifling intellectual growth. “If digital consumption were truly stunting cognitive development, we’d expect a decline in IQ scores over time. But that simply isn’t happening,” she adds.
Mental Health and Screen Time
While concerns about cognitive function are central to the “brain rot” debate, another aspect is the relationship between screen time and mental health, particularly among young people. Dr. Sophie Li, a clinical psychologist and research fellow at the Black Dog Institute, has been investigating this link. Her team is conducting the largest Australian longitudinal study on the impact of digital device usage on the mental health of over 6,000 teenagers.
Dr. Li’s research, which is still under review, suggests that while there is an association between increased screen time and lower mental health scores, it’s unclear whether excessive screen time leads to depression and anxiety or whether mental health struggles increase the tendency to spend more time online. “We found a correlation between screen time and mental health issues like depression and anxiety,” Dr. Li says, “but when we looked at these variables 12 months later, the correlation weakened significantly or disappeared altogether. This doesn’t provide strong evidence that more screen time leads to worse mental health outcomes.”
A History of Technology Fears
The fear of technology’s negative impact on society is nothing new. From Socrates’ skepticism of writing, fearing it would weaken memory, to anxieties surrounding the printing press, radio, and television, each new technological advancement has faced backlash. Today, the internet, AI, and the rise of digital devices continue to provoke concerns about job displacement, privacy, and the erosion of face-to-face interactions.
However, Dr. Watson suggests that while this pattern of technological fear is not unique to the digital age, there is a key difference: “The curation of online content is more personalized than ever before. Algorithms are shaping our experience, showing us tailored advertisements and curated news feeds, which means we’re not all seeing the same information. This raises concerns about the fragmentation of knowledge and a lack of shared reality,” she says.
Navigating Digital Spaces Responsibly
Despite these concerns, both Dr. Watson and Dr. Li agree that it’s crucial to approach digital technology with caution, particularly in how it affects younger generations. Dr. Li acknowledges the difficulties parents face in managing their children’s screen time, especially when digital devices are integral to modern life. “It’s important for parents to set boundaries, promote offline activities, and ensure that their children are aware of the risks of digital spaces,” she advises.
Ultimately, while the concept of “brain rot” may be more myth than menace, the negative effects of excessive screen time and content consumption are still an area of ongoing research. What is clear is that technology’s impact on our minds and well-being is complex, and more nuanced than the simplistic idea of “brain rot” suggests. As Dr. Watson concludes, “We’re in uncharted territory, but with thoughtful, informed engagement, we can navigate it safely.”
