The term ‘brain rot’ has been named Oxford’s Word of the Year, reflecting growing anxieties about the consumption of low-quality online content, particularly on social media platforms. The phrase, first recorded by Henry David Thoreau in 1854, gained significant usage amid discussions about mental well-being in the digital age. Psychologist Andrew Przybylski emphasizes that while ‘brain rot’ describes dissatisfaction with online experiences, there is no scientific evidence to support that it represents a genuine condition. Other shortlisted words included demure and dynamic pricing.