In recent times, the term “brain rot” has been in the news a lot. This means spending so much time online that it starts affecting the brain. Problems like fatigue, irritability or difficulty in concentrating after scrolling on social media for hours are also being linked to this phenomenon. Experts believe that even though this word may sound light, there is a serious truth hidden behind it.
people are struggling
Now many people are finding it difficult to concentrate. People who earlier used to read an entire book without any problem, now lose their attention after reading just a few pages. A big reason for this is smartphones—especially the constant barrage of notifications that repeatedly distracts the mind. Research shows that watching short videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram or YouTube Shorts can have a negative impact on our attention, memory and mental health. The habit of constantly changing topics and scrolling without stopping prevents the brain from concentrating on any one task for a long time.
What do researchers say?
According to MIT researcher Natalia Kosmina, today people have difficulty watching even a 20-minute video, because their brain has become accustomed to watching short-form content. However, there is no complete consensus yet on the seriousness of the long-term adverse effects of this practice. Some studies have shown that people who spend too much screen time have structural changes in certain parts of their brain; However, it is still not clear whether these changes have happened for some reason or have emerged as a result.
Who were the people studied?
A study published in 2025, which included research on more than 7,000 children, found that excessive screen time can reduce the thickness of the outer layer of the brain—called the cortex. This part plays an important role in mental functions like thinking ability, maintaining memory and taking decisions. Additionally, too much screen time also disrupts the sleep-wake cycle. Especially children and teenagers often use their phones till late night, due to which they are not able to get complete sleep. Chronic lack of sleep can, in turn, have adverse effects on brain development. However, experts also point out that not all types of screen time are harmful. What really matters is how you use that screen time.
What effect does this have on students?
A study conducted on AI chatbots showed that students who rely heavily on them learn less than themselves and have difficulty remembering information they have written themselves. The reason for this is that their brain remains less active. Experts recommend moderate screen use: put your phone away from you before bed, delete non-essential apps, and use technology wisely.