“BRAIN ROT”: A BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW ON THE CONCEPT, CAUSES, POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev7n8-302Keywords:
Brain Rot, Digital Content, Mental Health, Attention, Children and Adolescents, Digital OverloadAbstract
The term "brain rot" has become a contemporary symbol of concerns about the impacts of excessive digital content consumption on mental health, especially among children and adolescents. This integrative literature review explores the historical origins of the concept, its main causes, recent scientific evidence, and proposed mitigation strategies. Based on academic publications published between 2018 and 2025, the study traces the term's evolution, from its original mention in 1854 by Thoreau to its recognition as Word of the Year by Oxford University Press in 2024. Evidence suggests that unregulated and prolonged use of digital media can negatively affect executive functions, attention, cognitive development, and emotional well-being. In the Brazilian context, recent studies reveal signs of "attention fatigue" in schools. Mitigation measures include regulating screen time, critical media literacy, and promoting healthy technology habits. The conclusion is that "brain rot" must be understood as a multidisciplinary and global phenomenon, requiring coordinated responses between families, schools, and public policies.
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