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Effect of spending time online on the brain
Samira Vishwas | March 18, 2026 10:24 PM CST

Increasing discussion of brain rot

In recent times, the term ‘brain rot’ has attracted a lot of attention. This means spending excessive time online, which can have a negative impact on the brain. Problems like fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating are associated with this after scrolling on social media for hours. Experts believe that this word may sound light, but there are serious issues hidden behind it.


difficulty concentrating

Now many people are finding it difficult to concentrate. People who earlier used to read books without any problem, now lose their attention after just a few pages. The main reason for this is smartphones, especially the constant notifications that distract the mind. Research suggests that watching short videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube Shorts can have negative effects on attention, memory and mental health.

Researchers’ opinion

According to MIT researcher Natalia Kosmina, today’s people find it difficult to watch even a 20-minute video, because their brains have become accustomed to watching short videos. However, there is no clear consensus yet on the long-term effects of this trend. Some studies have found that people who have too much screen time have structural changes in some parts of their brain.


Study findings

A study published in 2025 that looked at more than 7,000 children found that excessive screen time can reduce the thickness of the outer layer of the brain, called the cortex. This part plays an important role in thinking, remembering and decision making. Additionally, excessive screen time also affects the sleep cycle. Especially children and teenagers use their phones till late night, due to which they do not get enough sleep.

impact on students

A study on AI chatbots showed that students who rely heavily on them learn less on their own and have difficulty remembering the information they write. The reason for this is that their brain remains less active. Experts recommend using screens in moderation: put your phone away before bed, delete non-essential apps, and use technology wisely.



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