The term "brain rot" has been added to the Oxford English Dictionary with a definition that describes it as the deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state due to excessive consumption of trivial or unchallenging content, particularly online. The concept is not new, having first appeared in Henry David Thoreau's 1854 book "Walden", where he lamented the spread of "brain-rot" among people. However, its current usage is linked to the proliferation of low-quality content on social media and the negative effects it has on individuals who spend excessive time consuming it. According to Oxford Languages, the term's usage grew significantly over the summer and peaked in September.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/brain-rot-the-scourge-of-the-chronically-online-becomes-oxfords-2024-word-of-year-180985560/Oxford Dictionaries has announced "brain rot" as its Word of the Year for 2024. The term refers to the decline or degradation of mental abilities, often due to prolonged exposure to social media and technology. This choice reflects growing concerns about the impact of digital technology on cognitive function.
https://www.asiaone.com/world/daily-roundup-oxfords-word-year-2024-brain-rot-and-other-top-stories-todayResearchers are warning that while the Strava fitness-tracking app can be beneficial for tracking progress and connecting with like-minded athletes, it may also have negative effects on mental health. For millions of people, using Strava is a regular part of their exercise routine, alongside essential items such as water bottles and proper shoes.
https://www.scmp.com/postmag/wellness/article/3288995/stravas-great-watch-your-mental-health-warn-researchers?module=post_magazine&pgtype=sectionAriana Grande's appearance at the premiere of a new movie in Los Angeles has raised concerns among her fans, who have expressed worries about her health and weight. Fans took to social media to comment on her noticeably thinner frame, with some expressing concern that she may be struggling with her mental health. A source stated that fans are too scared to address her weight due to the potential impact it could have on young fans, but also feel concerned for her well-being.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1256975-ethan-slater-anxious-for-girlfriend-ariana-grandes-fragile-lookThe issue of social media's impact on teenagers' mental health has been a pressing concern for world leaders since Meta whistleblower Frances Haugen revealed internal emails in 2021 indicating the tech company was aware of its platform's negative effects. Despite a recommendation by the US surgeon general in 2023 to display health warnings on social media, lawmakers from countries such as Florida and France have struggled to address the issue due to concerns over free speech, privacy, and the limitations of age-checking technology.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/12/01/opinion/world/australian-social-media-ban-started-with-call-to-act-by-politicians-wife/2013687Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed concerns about the impact of social media on children's mental health, describing it as a "global problem". He believes there is a direct link between social media usage and mental health issues in Australian kids. The government will not implement new laws regulating social media for at least 12 months, but Mr Albanese says companies have a responsibility to address the issue.
https://deadline.com/2024/11/australia-social-media-ban-law-passed-1236189503/Australian Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has proposed a social media ban for teenagers, citing concerns over the impact of unfiltered content on their well-being. The ban, which is expected to be implemented by tech companies within a year, would prevent platforms such as Messenger Kids, WhatsApp, and YouTube from allowing users under 16 to access their services without age verification. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed urgency in introducing the ban, while Opposition communications spokesman David Coleman has stated that social media companies have a responsibility to protect children. However, some experts have raised concerns over the potential negative human rights impacts on young people and the effectiveness of the ban in curbing harm from social media.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14111879/Elon-Musk-Anthony-Albanese-social-media.html