An Analysis of the Phenomenon of “Brain Rot”: Cognitive, Psychological, and Ethical Consequences
Akhlāq-i zīstī i.e., Bioethics Journal,
Vol. 15 No. 40 (1404),
14 July 2025
,
Page 1-16
https://doi.org/10.22037/bioeth.v15i40.47352
Abstract
Background and Aim: Digitalization and technological advancements have become inseparable components of human daily life and are expected to continue shaping it in the future. From computers and laptops to smartphones, smartwatches, and even automobiles, all these digital tools serve as reference guides for the modern human being in work, communication, information access, and nearly every aspect of life. Within this context, digital media - and its reflection, social media, which encompasses online content applications - deserves special attention. The lack of proper management in the use of these tools can lead to brain rot. Therefore, the present study aims to examine the psychological and ethical challenges arising from excessive reliance on technology.
Methods: This research is applied in its objectives and descriptive–analytical in its methodology. Data have been collected and analyzed through library research and an extensive review of documents, practices, and relevant scholarly works.
Ethical Considerations: All ethical principles of research, including academic honesty and accurate citation, were observed in the preparation of this article.
Findings: The findings indicate that excessive use of technology can lead to symptoms such as reduced concentration, academic decline, anxiety, depression, social isolation, and behavioral changes among adolescents. Alongside these psychological consequences, several ethical challenges are also identified, including the weakening of adolescents’ intellectual autonomy, overdependence on content algorithms, normalization of violent or sexual content, violations of privacy, and diminished personal responsibility.
Conclusion: This study reveals that the continued unregulated consumption of modern technologies may lead to the emergence of a generation with impaired cognitive functioning, unstable moral values, and weakened social interactions. Consequently, developing preventive policies, promoting media literacy education, ensuring family and institutional supervision, and undertaking ethical reconsideration in the use of technology are among the essential measures for addressing this phenomenon.
- Ethical Challenges
- Brain Rot
- Digitalization
- Digital Addiction
How to Cite
References
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