Oxford's 2024 Word of the Year: 'Brain Rot' Captures Social Media's Impact
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Oxford University Press

The Oxford Word of the Year for 2024 is 'brain rot,' a term reflecting concerns about the mental impact of consuming excessive low-quality online content, particularly on social media. The term, which saw a 230% increase in usage, is popular among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, often used humorously to describe trivial content. It highlights societal worries about digital consumption's effects on mental health, especially in youth, and continues the conversation about the influence of internet culture on language and society.
