Oxford Declares ‘Brain Rot’ Word of 2024, Reflects Digital Impact

|By Adejumo Adekunle –

Oxford Languages has named ‘brain rot’ the Word of the Year for 2024, spotlighting concerns about online culture’s effects on mental health. Defined as the deterioration of intellectual or mental states due to trivial online content, the term’s usage surged by 230% between 2023 and 2024, especially among younger audiences.

Announcing the decision, Oxford President Casper Grathwohl highlighted its relevance, noting that over 37,000 public votes shaped the choice. First appearing in Henry David Thoreau’s Walden in 1854, ‘brain rot’ has evolved into a modern critique of viral memes, low-quality videos, and their potential harm, particularly for adolescents.

Viral phenomena like Alexey Gerasimov’s Skibidi Toilet videos and ‘Only in Ohio’ memes have popularized the phrase, now widely used to describe the hazards of excessive screen time. Despite its humorous undertones, the term raises serious questions about the long-term effects of digital consumption.

With 2024 marking the 20th anniversary of the Word of the Year, ‘brain rot’ underscores the cultural dialogue around technology, mental health, and online habits.