Brain Rot Symptoms Increasingly Experienced by Young People, Including Difficulty Focusing
The habit of spending hours scrolling through social media is proving to be more than just a waste of time. Experts are warning that excessive exposure to digital content can affect the brain’s ability to focus, retain information, and interact with others.
This phenomenon is known as ‘brain rot’, a term that has become increasingly popular to describe the decline in mental quality due to the continuous consumption of fast-paced, shallow digital content. Behaviours associated with brain rot include endless scrolling and the excessive use of memes in daily conversation.
A Yale University study in 2025 found that the number of young adults aged 18 to 34 experiencing cognitive impairments, including memory problems and difficulty concentrating, has nearly doubled within a decade, rising from 5.1% to 9.7%.
Psychologist Dr Julia Kogan explained that a primary sign of brain rot is when an individual is online so frequently that it interferes with daily activities. For instance, being unable to sleep because of phone usage or neglecting real-world relationships in favour of scrolling through TikTok.
“Other signs include difficulty detaching from the phone and an urge to constantly check notifications,” said Kogan, as quoted from Verywell Mind. “Eye strain, headaches, or poor posture due to phone usage can also be indicators that too much time is being spent online without breaks.”
Brain rot is also highlighted by Dr Melly Latifah, a lecturer at IPB University from the Child Development Division. She noted that the impact of brain rot on children is real and affects their behaviour.
“Children may struggle to concentrate, frequently forget simple instructions, speak haltingly, or experience a shrinking vocabulary. Emotionally, they might laugh hysterically while online but appear flat when spoken to. Some also become angry when gadgets are taken away,” she explained.
She also warned that symptoms vary by age: toddlers might mimic absurd movements seen online, primary school children may experience drastic drops in grades, and teenagers may begin communicating using meme-based language.
Amidst the heavy flow of digital information, experts are reminding the public of the importance of limiting screen time and allowing the brain an opportunity to rest. Maintaining a balance between online activities and real-world interaction is considered essential to prevent the effects of brain rot from worsening.