Scroll, Laugh, Forget: When Brain Rot Becomes a Habit

What is Brain Rot and Why Happens?

The word “just five minutes, after that I will study” may sound normal to our ears. Many of us have said that sentence, but in the end it spent hours watching TikTok videos or social media scrolling without realizing it. We laugh when we see a cat playing with his master, but after that, we feel confused about what we have been doing for several hours.

Apparently, this condition does not only happen to us. Many people also experience the same thing. In popular language, this phenomenon is referred to as Brain Rot. But what exactly is Brain Rot?

Definition of Brain Rot

Literally, brain rot means “brain rotting”. However, this term is not used in a medical sense. Brain Rot describes a mental state in which a person consumes too often, short, and less meaningful content. As a result, the brain becomes difficult to focus on things that are deeper and more meaningful.

According to a survey conducted by The New York Times, TikTok users on average open the application between 8 to 12 times a day. Each session can reach a duration of up to 89 minutes. In fact, we often think of it as a small entertainment. In fact, this is just like an unpaid side job.

negative impact of brain rot

There are several negative effects that arise due to brain rot. First, it is difficult to focus. Reading a book of two or five pages feels very heavy. Second, dependence on dopamine. Our brains are used to receiving instant entertainment, so they are not comfortable when faced with slower activities, such as studying or working.

In addition, we also tend to lose goals. We often forget what we want to achieve because we have been scrolling for too long. An interesting comparison is the past, where people can sit for hours just to read thick novels without distractions. Now, we only scroll for five seconds, and if we don’t find something funny, swipe down right away.

Another example: the hikikomori phenomenon in Japan

There are other examples that can be used as lessons. In Japan, there was a phenomenon known as hikikomori, where teenagers chose to isolate themselves because of digital addiction. Although the context is different, the common thread is still the same: the brain is too saturated by digital stimuli.

Solutions to Overcome Brain Rot

Don’t worry, I’m not saying we have to leave TikTok completely (I can’t either). However, we need to learn to control ourselves. Some of the steps that can be taken include:

• Set a timer when opening social media as a reminder.
• Replace loose content with a build video, although still short.
• Take the time to read a book or listen to a podcast.
• Try doing a digital detox for one day, by limiting the use of social media.

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Scrolling and laughing is a legitimate thing. However, if we have forgotten the original goal, then we must start to be vigilant. Don’t let brain rot become a lifestyle that we normalize.

In the end, not only time is lost, but also ourselves. We need to be aware that our daily habits can affect our thinking and behavior. Therefore, start by regulating the use of social media so as not to interfere with our quality of life and productivity.