Oxford dictionaries have named “brain rot” as the word of the year for 2024, citing a 230% increase in its usage from the previous year. The term refers to the deterioration of mental or intellectual state due to overconsumption of trivial or unchallenging material, particularly online content. Chosen through a combination of public vote and language analysis, “brain rot” reflects a defining theme of the past year related to humanity and technology. The term, first used by Henry David Thoreau in 1854, highlights concerns about the impact of virtual life on how people spend their free time.

Ironic, since you learned this online!