Psychotherapists warn that the phenomenon nicknamed “brain rot” (brain rot – no) has a severe impact on the cognitive and emotional development of the little ones, manifesting symptoms more similar to those of an addiction.
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More and more parents and teachers observe visible changes in the behavior of children and teenagers who spend hours in front of the screens, whether it is video games, youtube, tiktok or other quick content applications. The informal term of “Brain Rot” has been taken from the public discourse and refers to the negative effects that the excessive and uncontrolled consumption of digital content has on the cognitive and emotional functioning of the little ones.
“The term of Brain Rot although it is a metaphor, reflects the reality observed in many psychotherapy offices: a gradual deterioration of the child’s ability to concentrate, relate and self -regulate. Prevention, balance and early intervention remain the most effective forms of protection in front of this phenomenon,” warns the psychotherapist Laura Găvan.
Children who can no longer concentrate and react impulsively
In his psychotherapeutic practice in the cabinet, especially in working with children and adolescents, a number of recurrent symptoms and behaviors associated with excessive screen consumption, says. “Children are experiencing difficulty in maintaining more than a few minutes, even in activities that previously enjoyed them. Reading, imaginative games, conversations or school tasks become boring compared to the intense stimulation offered by the digital environment.”explains Laura Găvan.
Low tolerance to frustration, impulsive reactions and lack of self -control are among the most common effects: “The little ones often respond automatically, without reflecting or being able to postpone the reward. Many experience anger, crying or even violent manifestations when they are stopped from the game or they are forbidden to access the phone or tablet. These reactions may be comparable to the withdrawal from classical addictions,” she explains
Another alarm signal: social isolation. “The children seem more withdrawn, preferring the virtual world to the detriment of direct interactions, even when they have the opportunity to socialize with colleagues or friends. Captives in an imaginary world, who do not cause them intellectually or socially, they lose the valuable tools of socialization and no longer know or have no ability to make friends in the real environment.” Laura Găvan continues.
The rear mechanisms are largely explained neuroscherically. Applications and games are designed to provide fast and constant rewards (likes, new levels, visual and sound effects), which leads to a hyperactive reward system. The brain gets used to this form of stimulation and begins to perceive the usual activities as fades or boring, according to the specialist.
The rapid succession of visual and sound stimuli, specific to games and social applications, leads to children’s minds to react impulsively and superficially. Over time, this type of consumption weakens patience, planning capacity and resistance to longer intellectual tasks. “Executive functions (planning, impulse inhibition, organization) develop through concrete experiences, in relation to others and the world. Technology reduces this type of interaction, replacing it with passive and fragmented stimulation,” complete the psychotherapist.
International Study: Digital absurd images can disturb logical thinking
The phenomenon also attracted the attention of the academic world. According to a study by Dr. Melly Latifah, lecturer at IPB University (Indonesia), exposure to absurd and fast content, intensely promoted on platforms like Tiktok, can have serious effects on cognitive and emotional development. Viral examples include clips with “sharks wearing shoes” or “ballerina cappuccino”, atypical images that seem harmless, but really disrupt the process of learning and logical thinking.
“The young children, in the preoperative stage, cannot distinguish between fantasy and reality. The hyper-absurd visuals can trigger an excessive release of dopamine, affecting concentration and emotions. Inco-stories can distort the understanding of language”, shows the research.
In adolescents, this type of repetitive content generates illogical thinking patterns and reduces the ability to follow logical structures.
“The idea is that the more absurd, the more interesting it is, which weakens critical thinking and mental organization,” warns Dr. Latifah.
She also emphasizes that the digital “brainrot” also affects empathy, by breaking the emotional context. Adolescents can become emotionally passive in real life, despite explosive reactions from online.
What parents can do: rules
“Effective intervention does not imply the demonization of technology, but to rethink the child’s relationship with the digital environment, according to age and the level of development”also points out the psychotherapist Laura Găvan.
This proposes some simple measures, such as the adoption of clear rules and firm limits on the time spent on the screens. “Children need a predictable framework, in which the screen time is clearly delimited and balanced with other activities (play free, read, time in nature, real relationships). It is important for parents to offer real and attractive alternatives, not just forbid access to the device. A child who has an interesting offline life will be less attracted to the Digital refuge.” declares the specialist.
In his opinion, parents and educators must be aware of their own digital consumption.
“An adult who is always on the phone involuntarily transmits the message that this is the” normal “behavior. We are their model and it is necessary to self-censure our irresponsible consumption. In cases where technology addiction is advanced or child has major emotional regulation difficultiesit is necessary to intervene a psychologist or psychotherapist ”, concludes Laura Găvan.
