Brainrot is a modern slang term that has a few interpretations. One brainrot meaning refers to what can happen if you consume too much trivial or worthless content online or on social media. The idea is that by absorbing so much information that is intellectually unstimulating, your brain begins to “rot.”
The term isn’t used only for the effect of low-value online content. It’s sometimes applied to the content itself.
A More Humorous Brainrot Meaning
Brainrot isn’t employed only in a negative or critical context. It’s also used in a more lighthearted way to describe the catchphrases, jokes, memes, and other bits and pieces of modern language and pop culture favored by young people—particularly Gen Z.
A lot of funny trends and online slang that originate on TikTok and YouTube are often collectively referred to as brainrot. Young people use the nonsensical expressions and share jokes or goofy videos in an ironic way. They’re consciously aware that terms like “bussin” and “Baby Gronk” are silly, so when Gen Z’ers use them, it means they are in on the joke. Indeed, the very people who are creating and consuming content considered brainrot are also the ones who have popularized the term.
Word of the Year
Though not everyone is familiar with the term, brainrot (sometimes spelled brain rot) was the Oxford Word of the Year in 2024 because of its recent spike in popularity. Oxford University Press determined that its usage jumped in frequency by 230% from 2023 to 2024.
Interestingly, Oxford also reported that the first reported use of brainrot can be found in Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden. He applies the phrase in his assessment of people who dismiss or devalue complex ideas in favor of simple alternatives. Thoreau called out society’s decline in intellectual effort as an example of “brain-rot.”
Beware Brainrot
One other brainrot meaning refers to the result of “doomscrolling,” which involves spending long stretches of time searching for and reading or watching distressing news online.
Mental health professionals acknowledge the real potential consequences to giving the virtual world too much of your attention—whether it’s silly videos or discouraging news content. A 2025 study in Brain Sciences suggests that adolescents and adults can experience some unwanted impacts of unhealthy or excessive time spent online, and that more research is needed to help steer people toward more productive and positive interactions with social media, the news, and other content. People who describe feeling brainrot may refer to mental fogginess, reduced attention span, and cognitive impairment, as well as trouble solving problems, making decisions, getting organized, or recalling information.
While highlighting potential risks of brainrot may sound extreme, there is much to be said for limiting your screen time and making smarter, healthier decisions about what you watch, read, or listen to online. You might consider getting rid of apps that are distracting and turning off unnecessary notifications. Set a timer, if necessary, to remind you to set your phone down or step away from your computer and interact with the real world a little more often.
