What the Sigma is BRAIN ROT?

A Visual Image of Brain Rot (AI created)

Oxford’s announcement of “brain rot” as the Word of the Year for 2024 was a moment for us to reflect on culture and what’s currently shaping the thinking and behavior of our kids. In fact, this term is spotlighting how digital habits shape—and even sometimes harms—the thinking of teens and kids today. But what exactly does brain rot mean in this context, and why does it matter?

What Does Brain Rot Actually Mean?

Originally, the term described the deterioration of the mind from trivial activities. Now, it’s shorthand for the effects of endless exposure to low-value, highly consumable online content. Defined by Oxford as “the deterioration of the brain caused by engaging with trivial or unchallenging online content,” the phrase skyrocketed in popularity, seeing a 230% increase in usage from 2023 to 2024.

Teens themselves have more than embraced the term, using it humorously to describe their consumption of viral trends like “Skibidi” memes or absurd “only in Ohio” jokes. Beneath the humor, though, lies a deeper reality: the more time teens spend scrolling through unchallenging content, the more their capacity for creativity and critical thinking diminishes.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” In the Biblical sense, the “heart” often refers to the core of our thoughts and intentions. What we allow into our minds—whether through endless scrolling or intentional study—shapes who we are. We should be mindful of our digital consumption, which is a modern application of this timeless principle that we see in Proverbs 4.

The Double-Edged Sword

At first glance, the rise of brain rot as a cultural phenomenon feels like a moment of self-awareness. Teens and young adults know this content isn’t enriching; in fact, many openly joke about how meaningless trends consume their free time. That recognition is an opportunity for parents, educators, and youth leaders to engage in conversations about digital habits.

But here’s the twist: awareness doesn’t always lead to change. Teens might recognize the issue but feel powerless to resist the addictive pull of infinite scrolling. James 1:22-24 reminds us: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

Mindless consumption of content is dangerous for anyone, let alone our kids…

What’s the BIG DEAL? You’re making too much of this

The greatest danger of brain rot is its impact on independent thinking. Research shows that overconsumption of short-form, algorithm-driven content rewires attention spans, making it harder for individuals—especially young teens—to focus deeply or process complex ideas. The endless cycle of passive consumption not only diminishes creativity but also fosters a habit of passivity. Have you noticed a trend of passivity among young men/males in the workplace? In the home is much more difficult to engage our boys?

I mean, imagine the hours spent laughing at random memes or watching the same viral trend for the fifteenth time. While these activities might seem very harmless, what they do is replace opportunities to engage with meaningful content that stimulates growth—emotionally, intellectually, or spiritually. This applies to us as parents as well. I can spend my time passively entertaining myself or I can choose to grow in some new skill, reading to deepen my faith and understanding about our Creator, or simply pass the time in conversation with my deep relationships.

Ephesians 5:15-16 reminds us to “be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” The concept of “brain rot” speaks to how easily time can slip away in trivial pursuits. By encouraging our families to steward our time wisely, we can help everyone…to align their priorities with God’s purpose for their lives.

So, what can we do?

 As adults who care deeply about the next generation, we have a unique role in helping teens navigate this digital landscape. The popularity of brain rot as a term is an opening—a chance to guide young people toward better habits without preaching or shaming. Here are four practical ways to start:

      1.   Model Balanced Digital Habits

Teens notice what adults do. Show them that engaging with valuable content and taking breaks from screens can be both rewarding and refreshing. We can’t doom scroll ourselves and expect differently from our kiddos!

      2.   Encourage Creation Over Consumption

Help our kids to discover platforms where they can express themselves—through art, writing, music, Legos, clay, or even coding? (Coding is a fast growing field and there are even some after-school clubs that encourage it! Creation fosters critical thinking and builds confidence.

      3.   Discuss the Impact of Content

Use humor as a bridge. If your teen jokes about brain rot, ask what they mean by it and whether they’ve noticed how it affects their mood or focus. Using humor can open the door as longs as we’re not condescending. If they aren’t sure, don’t just TELL THEM…look it up together as if you are discovering it as a team. This encourages and US instead of a ME vs THEM.

      4.   Offer Enriching Alternatives

Recommend books, podcasts, or hobbies that challenge their minds. Even small steps, like introducing a thought-provoking movie or hosting a game night, can make a difference. This is where WE have to be active in looking for these things in advance. Be ready so that we can make suggestions before it comes up.

The rise of brain rot as a buzzword isn’t just a critique of digital culture—it’s a chance for transformation. If teens are self-aware enough to recognize the problem, and that awareness is the first step toward change, then with the right tools, guidance, and encouragement, we have to help them shift from passive consumption to active, independent thinking. After all, are we not seeing the effects of current passive consumption in our colleges and universities already?

The question is, will we seize this opportunity?

The cultural conversation around brain rot is just beginning. If we lean into it, we might just help the next generation find balance in a world of endless digital distractions—turning what could be a crisis into a moment of growth. Let’s guide them well.