The concept of ‘brain rot’ was first introduced to the internet around 2007 (Representative)
New Delhi:
Researchers call it a state of “mind fog,” simply put, “brain rot” is the effect of spending too much time online consuming low-quality content.
What is brain rot?
The concept of ‘brain rot’ was first introduced to the Internet around 2007, closely related to what researchers at Children’s Hospital Boston now classify as Problematic Use of Interactive Media.
According to Dr Michael Rich, a pediatrician and founder of the hospital’s Digital Wellness Lab, the term encapsulates the effects of excessive internet activity. Users affected by brain rot tend to filter their daily experiences through the lens of online content, shaping their communication and behavior accordingly.
Dr. Rich told the New York Times, “Many of my patients see brain rot as a badge of honor, much like getting high scores in video games. They compete for screen time as if it were a prize.”
Why are we talking about brain rot?
Discussion of “brain rot” emerged when a TikTok user revealed the real-life origins of a popular meme based on a World War II-era illustration called “The 2000 Yard Stare,” which shows the haunted expression of a soldier saw the horrors of war. . The meme is widely used on the Internet to express the feeling of being overwhelmed by Internet content.
This viral image led to a widespread conversation about how internet culture shapes our worldview. Many now interpret everyday things through internet references, which has led to suggestions of how taking breaks from screens can help gain clarity.
??”The 2000 Yard Stare” by????????Thomas Lea depicts an unnamed US Marine at the Battle of Peleliu (World War II, 1944). 2000 yard stare: phrase used to describe the blank, unfocused gaze of warriors who are emotionally detached from the horrors around them. pic.twitter.com/eXuiJp7UUq
— Soraia Vermeer ???????????? (@SoraiaVermeer) February 21, 2023
How to cure brain rot?
The issue of excessive use of the Internet is receiving different responses from experts and institutions. While some advocate treatment plans for what they call “digital addiction,” others, like Dr. Michael Rich see it differently.
Dr Rich believes that for some young people, especially those with conditions like ADHD, activities like gaming or social media serve as a way to calm down and feel competent. He argues that simply labeling these behaviors as addictions overlooks their role as coping mechanisms.
To prevent brain rot, the Newport Institute suggests limiting screen time, choosing positive content to watch and enjoying offline activities like a hobby or outdoor activity, and connecting with friends and family.
#brain #rot #internet #talking
Image Source : www.ndtv.com