The term "brain rot" dates back to Henry David Thoreau’s 1854 book Walden, but in the digital age, it has become Oxford University Press’ 2024 Word of the Year. With people averaging nearly seven hours of screen time per day, brain rot is defined by the publication as the result of overconsumption of material considered to be trivial or unchallenging, with a particular emphasis on online content and social media.

Usage of the term increased by 230% between 2023 and 2024, and Eric Schumacher, professor of psychology specializing in the study of cognitive control, talks about how brain rot is spreading and how to stem the tide.