Oxford University Press Chooses ‘Brain Rot’ as the Word of 2024, As the digital world continues to dominate every aspect of daily life, a new term has emerged to capture the consequences of excessive online consumption. In a move that resonates with today’s youth, Oxford University Press has named “Brain Rot” as the word of the year for 2024.
Meaning of “Brain Rot” ?
The term, which reflects concerns over excessive consumption of online content, topped a list of six shortlisted words following votes from over 37,000 participants.
Brain Rot describes the mental decline caused by overexposure to low-quality or distracting digital content. First used in the 1854 book Walden, the term has seen a dramatic resurgence, with usage increasing by 230% between 2023 and 2024. The rise of social media and digital platforms has led younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, to adopt this term in reference to the negative effects of excessive screen time.
Oxford University Press explained that Brain Rot gained popularity this year as concerns grew about the detrimental impact of excessive online activity on mental well-being. As society grapples with the consequences of digital overload, the term has become a symbol of the dangers of virtual life and a reminder of how we allocate our free time.
“Riz” as the word of 2023
The 2024 choice follows the selection of Riz as the word of 2023, continuing Oxford’s tradition of recognizing terms that encapsulate the cultural and social shifts of the year.