Oxford Declares 'Brain Rot' as 2024's Word of the Year
TL;DR Summary
"Brain rot," a term originally used by Henry David Thoreau in 1854, has been named Oxford's Word of 2024, reflecting concerns about the impact of excessive social media consumption on mental health. The term's resurgence highlights a cultural anxiety about balancing online engagement with real-world experiences, resonating particularly with younger generations. Thoreau's original use critiqued societal habits that stifle curiosity and wonder, a sentiment echoed in today's digital age.
- Writer Thoreau warned of brain rot in 1854. Now it's the Oxford Word of 2024 NPR
- ‘Brain rot’ is Oxford English Dictionary’s word of the year The Washington Post
- ‘Brain Rot’ Is the 2024 Word of the Year, According to Oxford University Press TIME
- Do you have ‘brain rot’ from endless social media? Try our quiz The Guardian
- Oxford names "Brain Rot" Word of the Year The A.V. Club
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