Endlessly scrolling through TikTok might just be more harmful than you think. Recent studies suggest that this mindless consumption of content, often dubbed “brain rot,” could be literally shrinking your brain.
A growing body of scientific research over the last decade points to the detrimental effects of constantly consuming mind-numbing content. From algorithmically curated social media feeds to sensational news, these sources can reduce the gray matter in our brains. This leads to concerning outcomes like shortened attention spans and weaker memories, as highlighted by Spanish newspaper El País.
The term “brain rot” is quite fitting, considering the design of many digital platforms. Notably, features like endless scrolling are crafted to cater to our compulsive need for content consumption, or so-called “doomscrolling.” Such habits can significantly impair our focus and how we perceive the world, according to Michoel Moshel, the lead author of a 2023 meta-analysis from Macquarie University that explores the neuropsychological impacts of excessive screen time.
Moshel explains that doomscrolling taps into our brain’s instinct to seek novelty, particularly when it involves potentially harmful or alarming information—a survival trait. Studies have shown that this constant digital consumption can alter our state of consciousness, often leaving us unaware of how much time we’ve spent on our devices. For instance, a 2023 study surveying around 1,100 individuals found links between compulsive digital content consumption and negative physical and mental health outcomes, such as increased stress levels.
Even the US Surgeon General has raised alarms about young children under the age of 13 using social media. Eduaordo Fernández Jiménez, a clinical psychologist at Hospital La Paz Madrid, explains that these platforms bombard users with rapidly changing stimuli, which forces a continuous shift in focus. Over time, this degrades one’s ability to concentrate on a single task for extended periods, impacting processes crucial for academic success.
Perhaps most alarming are the physical changes to the brain. Moshel’s analysis links excessive internet use to reduced gray matter volume in brain regions responsible for decision-making, reward processing, and impulse control. These changes mirror patterns found in substance addictions, such as those involving methamphetamines or alcohol.
In light of these findings, it might be wise to reconsider how much time we spend glued to our screens. The effects of ‘brain rot’ are not just a fanciful term but a real and troubling trend that could impact our cognitive health significantly.
Source: Yahoo
