The common fear of technology taking over people’s lives is becoming real, improving faster than most people can recognize. With concerns arising due to technology, many people often fail to recognize how much control technology has taken over people’s lives.
Specifically, in today’s society where social media and other forms of entertainment have become an important component of daily life, teens are slowly losing control of themselves through the concept of brainrot. Brainrot is a term generally used to describe the detrimental effects of excessive screen time leading to long-lasting negative habits that could result in the decline of mental, social and physical health.
This concept is predominantly present in younger generations, like Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Many young adults in this generation spend countless hours scrolling through social media platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram , Twitch and Youtube, where they engage in short, meaningless content that distorts their cognitive thinking. When the brain is receiving so much information in a short period of time through the habit of watching 60 minutes worth of 15 second videos, it can become overstimulated.
According to Newport Institute, an organization centered around helping young adults with their mental state, a continuous practice of excessive screen time can lead to failure to accurately recall memories, organize and plan, solve problems and make decisions.
The institute also discusses how observing the success of other individuals can worsen one’s mental state rather than encourage positive behaviors. An individual can acquire a lack of self-esteem through this practice, as they are constantly comparing themselves to the success of others. This depreciation of confidence can cause spikes in one’s level of anxiety and depression.
In the end, it all comes down to how the younger generation can avoid this harmful behavior. It would be unrealistic for many to completely cut out social media platforms, as news travels fast on these platforms and many social engagements require the use of social media.
Rather than ridding one of social media, set a time limit that adds restrictions from using the application after a certain amount of screen time. Like many negative habits, it won’t be easy to quit this behavior. Some recommendations to pass time besides gorging on short videos include making the time to work out with a friend, watching an informative video, reading, picking up new, healthy, habits and countless more.
Over time, people should be able to build resistance from engaging in excessive screen time. Their productivity and motivation are within their jurisdiction. Nobody besides themselves should have more control over their life.
