The Problem of the Century: Brain Rot

The term “brain rot” has gained prominence recently, particularly in 2024, when it was named Oxford’s Word of the Year. This study aims to reveal the causes of brain decay, the problem people face today The method of the research is systematic compilation (meta-synthesis). Within the scope of the research, a systematic scan of internationally valid clinical research and published studies on "brain decay" was conducted. The studies are limited due to the relatively new as subject. The studies were evaluated, and their results were synthesized and combined. Answers were sought to the question of whether people are exposed to the erosion of thought that is called “brain decay” while new communication systems offer life in better conditions besides the increase in information exchange. In this context, 11 studies were examined. The articles were evaluated according to the keywords determined by the researcher, the size of the data importance, and the basic empirical findings. According to the results obtained, social media use causes anxiety, depression, and loneliness, especially among adolescents, and eight of them seem appropriate. The importance of “like” numbers and the increased popularity competition cause adolescents to experience internal conflict regarding self-confidence. Being constantly compared to others in the media negatively affects health and cognitive structure. Perfectionism leads to a feeling of inadequacy and loss of self-confidence. It is considered that this research will contribute to the field due to its examined thoughts and ideas and due to its suggestions.