Beware of Brain Rot Symptoms

A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions highlights several negative impacts of excessive digital technology use. Below are findings from the journal that indicate how technology addiction harms literacy and intelligence.

First, technology addiction lowers literacy skills. A survey in the United States found that 27% of high school students struggle with reading proficiency due to excessive use of technology and social media.

Second, social media addiction impairs the ability to interact in social settings. For instance, a study in the United Kingdom revealed that 60% of teenagers face challenges in real-world social interactions because they spend too much time on social media. They struggle to engage in real-life interactions as they would in virtual spaces.

Third, excessive use of technology and social media can increase stress and anxiety. Research from Australia shows that 45% of teenagers experience heightened stress and anxiety linked to technology overuse. Many report frequent hallucinations and difficulties managing their emotions.

Generation Z and Millennials are heavily influenced by advancements in information technology and social media. While these advancements offer numerous benefits, overusing technology can negatively impact brain development. One of the most concerning effects is a cognitive decay known as brain rot.

Brain rot, or cognitive decay, is a condition where an individual’s cognitive abilities, analytical thinking, memory, and recall skills deteriorate due to excessive technology use. This condition can hinder critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.

Quoting the Indonesian Ministry of Health website, brain rot symptoms include difficulty concentrating and paying attention to details, trouble remembering and understanding information, challenges in critical thinking and decision-making, heightened stress and anxiety, and over-reliance on technology (addiction).

The causes of brain rot are often interconnected. For instance, excessive use of technology is linked to a lack of physical activity and exercise.

Additionally, poor dietary habits, insufficient sleep and rest, and high levels of work-related stress contribute to this phenomenon.

To counteract these issues, several preventive measures can help maintain optimal brain performance, limit technology usage to reduce dependency, engage in regular physical activities and exercise to boost overall health, adopt a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition, prioritize sufficient sleep and rest to recharge the brain, practice relaxation and meditation techniques regularly to manage stress effectively.

For Gen Z and Millennials, avoiding the adverse effects of brain rot requires proactive measures. Start by using screen-time management apps, engaging in outdoor activities, cultivating a habit of reading books and articles, participating in beneficial courses or training programs, and adopting a healthy lifestyle to maintain balance.

Brain rot is a serious threat to Gen Z and Millennials if not addressed appropriately. By understanding its symptoms, causes, and preventive measures, we can strive to safeguard brain health and enhance cognitive abilities. Let us remain vigilant and take proactive steps as preventive efforts.

On the topic of intelligence and brain rot, I recall an article published in Solopos by Ichwan Prasetya on September 25, 2024, discussing existential intelligence. He argued that in the context of communication and the dissemination of information in the digital era, the conveniences offered by digital technology often encourage people to abandon the pursuit of deeper meaning.

More and more people feel content with superficialities. This has led humanity to become resistant in understanding and interpretation, often neglecting the depth of meaning. Such tendencies can result in what Ichwan refers to as brain rot.

To uncover and mitigate the negative impacts of this trend, Ichwan emphasizes the importance of restoring human existential intelligence through a culture of reading. This intelligence can be cultivated effectively by reading books and engaging in discussions. These activities create what he coined as the post-digital tendency.

This tendency helps preserve the essence of humanity, even in the face of advancing digital technology. By understanding existential intelligence, one gains a deeper appreciation of human uniqueness.

Every individual has distinct traits, including ambiguous contexts of meaning, unpredictable motivations, boundless imagination, a wealth of unique personal experiences, specific tastes, and empathetic-ethical connections between individuals.

Empathetic-ethical connections deserve special emphasis. Ethics, as the foundation of morality, profoundly influences one’s way of thinking and performance. The widespread use of gadgets and digital technology, while inevitable, must be balanced with sufficient moral grounding. One approach is to maintain mental well-being by creating authentic intelligence within individuals, helping them avoid brain rot.

Intelligence is not solely about mathematical ability but also encompasses empirical and ethical understanding. A truly intelligent child is not only reflected in quantitative scores but also in their ability to express qualitative and meaningful insights. This is the essence of what is called authentic intelligence.

Writer: Dartim Ibnu Rushd, S.Pd., M.Pd. (Lecturer at Faculty of Islamic Studies UMS)

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid

Source: Solopos Senin Legi Edition, 30 Desember 2024