“Brain rot” from short videos turns out to be a scientific fact: APA study

The popular concept of “breinroth” (“brain rot”), describing the deterioration of cognitive functions due to endless scrolling, has received scientific confirmation. Scientists from the American Psychological Association (APA) meta-analysisThe study included 71 studies and nearly 100,000 participants. The results proved that short video algorithms change the way neural connections work.

How short video algorithms affect the brain

According to the researchers, regular consumption of short content leads to three main changes:

• Failure of brake control: The brain loses its ability to stop in a timely manner. A person loses control of time by planning to watch a single video but spending hours scrolling.
• Loss of concentration: Rapid change of frames and easy obtaining of “cheap” dopamine reduce the ability to keep focus. After that, reading, studying and challenging work tasks are perceived by the brain as boring.
• Increased anxiety and burnout: Excess of negative information and constant comparison with other people’s achievements lead to emotional burnout, insomnia and increased anxiety levels.

Algorithms have the strongest impact on adolescents and young people, whose nervous system is in the process of formation.

Methods of restoring concentration

To reduce digital dependence and regain control of attention, three practical steps are proposed:

1. Transition to black and white mode: The inclusion of the “shades of gray” mode in the smartphone settings reduces the visual attractiveness of social media interfaces.
2. Refusal of the smartphone in the bedroom: Replacing your phone with a regular alarm clock helps prevent scrolling before bed and immediately after waking up.
3. “Home parking” for the gadget: Leaving the phone on a separate shelf when entering the house helps to avoid carrying it around the rooms.