Social media ‘brain rot’ dangers are real

As a Daily Herald article mentions, “brain rot” is Oxford Dictionary’s newly announced 2024 word of the year. This time of year, there’s a spike in social media use, making it even more important to recognize its associated risks.

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are increasingly tied to a rise in anxiety, depression and eating disorders, contributing to a growing public health crisis. From pro-ana/pro-mia and #thinspiration content that promotes eating disorders to edited images that distort reality, the constant barrage of “perfect” bodies exacerbates body image issues. We see this common struggle with patients at my hospital’s eating disorder unit.

Brain rot is real. The cycle can be difficult to break, but recovery is possible through intentionally carving out time to take a step away from devices and by involving yourselves in slow-burning activities or mind-stimulating activities such as exercising, knitting, cooking, reading, candle making — just to name a few. For more severe cases, treatment is an option.

In 2025, let’s be more vigilant with what we consume and share. We can break this developed cycle and protect our mental and physical well-being.

Elizabeth Sita, Medical Director

Eating Disorder Unit

Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital

Chicago