Brain rot: retrograde reading

Reading, language, and words all change over time.

Brain Rot: Modern Reading Habits

Oxford University Press named brain rot as its Word of the Year 2024. While the phrase may seem modern, Henry David Thoreau coined it in 1854 in *Walden* as part of a broader critique of societal intellectual decline. Today, the term has evolved to describe modern digital habits and their perceived effects on cognitive functioning. But let’s consider its effects on public reading skills.

What is brain rot?

Oxford University Press defines brain rot as:

"The supposed deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging."

This captures the growing concern about how overconsuming low-quality digital content erodes mental acuity. The use of the term increased by 230% in just one year, signaling a collective unease about our changing intellectual habits.

The word resonated with the public, earning over 37,000 votes to beat out other finalists like "demure," "slop," "dynamic pricing," "romantasy," and "lore."

Thoreau’s coining of brain rot

When Thoreau coined the term, he used it to critique the tendency to "level downward to our dullest perception always." His interpretation went beyond laziness or distraction. It encompassed the intellectual climate of his time—one he saw as devaluing complexity and promoting conformity.

In *Walden*, Thoreau’s brain rot wasn’t limited to what we might now consider frivolous entertainment. He leveled criticism even at serious journalism, which he believed reduced nuanced ideas into digestible but hollow fragments. This critique—of shrinking intellectual depth and the abdication of reflective thinking—appears strikingly relevant to the digital age.

Brain Rot as Medical Jargon

Over time, discussions of neurological health, such as cognitive impairments resulting from drug addiction, began to use the term "brain rot" as medical jargon. Yet professionals should prefer terms that are both empathetic and scientifically grounded.

Digital Reading and Brain Rot

The digital age has spawned new reading practices that align with Oxford’s definition of brain rot. Online readers increasingly engage in shallow, distracted consumption of text that undermines deep comprehension. What are the characteristics of this?

Retrograde Reading:

Skimming: Instead of fully engaging with the content, readers jump between headlines, images, and highlighted text.

Shallow Processing: Studies show that reading on screens promotes a superficial understanding of material, leading people to overestimate their comprehension.

Cognitive Overload: Hyperlinks, notifications, and chaotic layouts fragment attention, taxing working memory and diminishing focus.

Effects on comprehension and skills

These habits don’t just impair understanding in the moment—they erode reading skills over time. Young or new readers may never fully develop abilities like deep reading and critical reflection, while older readers experience a regression in their reading skills. The result is a generation increasingly disconnected from the intellectual benefits of slow, deliberate reading and critical thinking.

The Cost of Lost Skills

Deep reading—the ability to immerse oneself in a text, think critically about its arguments, and reflect on its implications—isn’t just a luxury. It’s a crucial cognitive skill that fosters empathy, creativity, and problem-solving. When we trade it for quick, shallow skimming, we sacrifice:

Analytical Thinking: Rushing or fragmenting reading reduces the ability to synthesize complex information.

Empathy: Fiction, in particular, requires sustained attention to characters’ inner lives, which builds our ability to understand others.

Memory Retention: Deep reading strengthens neural pathways associated with long-term memory and focus.

Can we reverse brain rot?

Awareness of the issue is the first step toward change. Restoring deep reading skills requires deliberate effort.

Reading instruction can prioritize print: reading physical books eliminates distractions like hyperlinks and notifications. Learners can be required to practice reflection. After reading, they can jot down thoughts, questions, or takeaways to deepen engagement with the material. We must foster critical thinking skills in younger generations to foster habits of reflection and analysis from the very beginning.

What about writing for the public now?

The popularity of brain rot and its cultural resonance highlight key lessons for anyone writing for a public audience:

Accessibility Matters: Using straightforward language ensures a broader, more diverse audience can engage with the content. Complex or overly technical phrasing may alienate readers who are unfamiliar with niche terms or concepts.

Retention and Comprehension: Readers today often skim and may not fully absorb dense or abstract writing. Conveying ideas simply without reducing their meaning helps readers retain key points. Clear, concise prose increases the likelihood that your message will stick and be useful in the future.

Relevance and Connection: Connecting abstract concepts to everyday experiences—like how modern habits reflect brain rot—makes the message relatable and engaging. Exploring the why—and the emotional impact—also helps comprehension.

Combating Cognitive Overload: Just as readers struggle with fragmented attention, writers must avoid overwhelming them with dense text. Clear structure, subheadings, and actionable takeaways keep readers focused. Ironically, the same habits that lead to shallow reading (skimming and reduced attention spans) mean writers must adapt by prioritizing clarity, brevity, and focus.

Engagement and Action: Clear writing inspires readers to reflect and act. Clear writing recruits more supporters to your cause. For example, suggesting actionable steps, like reclaiming deep reading habits, resonates better when communicated plainly. This makes the message more relatable and understandable for a wide range of audiences.

By putting these principles into practice, writers can communicate complex ideas effectively, fostering a deeper connection with their audiences and encouraging meaningful change.

What more does the public audience need from writers now?