2024 WORD OF THE YEAR: “BRAIN ROT.”
• BRAIN ROT IS REAL. It leads to mental fog, poor concentration, decision fatigue, and even anxiety and depression.
• THE ROOT CAUSE IS OVERLOAD. Constant notifications, endless scrolling, and dopamine-driven loops from things like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram keep us hooked but leave us empty.
•THE IMPACT IS EVERYWHERE. Young people especially are losing the ability to focus, connect, and reflect—but honestly, none of us are immune.

GENERATIONAL SWEEP OF “BRAIN ROT”
Every generation has had its version of brain rot—as new technology emerged to entertain, distract, and capture our attention.
1920s–30s: RADIO MANIA— Replaced conversation and quiet reflection.
1940s–50s: COMIC BOOKS — Cheap thrills shaped imagination more than truth.
1960s–70s: TV & ROCK— Families centered on screens; culture shaped values.
1980s: VIDEO GAMES & CABLE — Obsession and short attention spans.
1990s: INTERNET — Virtual connections over face-to-face.
2000s: SOCIAL MEDIA & SMARTPHONES — Identity tied to online image.
2010s: STREAMING & ALGORITHMS — Endless content eroded patience and depth.
2020s: DOOMSCROLLING & BRAIN ROT — Numbness through constant consumption.

Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

1 Peter 1:13-15 - Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be serious and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. 15 But as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct;

IS YOUR MIND INFLUENCED MORE BY DIGITAL CONSUMPTION OR BY SPIRITUAL DEVOTION?

HOW AM I COUNTERING MY DIGITAL CONSUMPTION OF ENTERTAINMENT WITH MY SPIRITUAL CONSUMPTION OF GOD?

TWO MODES OF LIVING: RIGHTEOUS(SPIRITUAL DESIRES) VS CULTURAL (FLESHLY DESIRES)
Romans 8:5-7 - For those who live according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God.

EVERY JESUS FOLLOWER WILL EXPERIENCE THE TENSION OF LIVING CULTURALLY OR SPIRITUALLY.

Romans 7:21-23 - When I want to do what is good, evil is with me. 22 For in my inner self I joyfully agree with God’s law. 23 But I see a different law in the parts of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and taking me prisoner to the law of sin in the parts of my body.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER WITH YOUR “BRAIN ROT”
– DOES WHAT I CONSUME BRING PEACE AND RENEWAL—OR JUST NOISE AND DISTRACTION?
– IS IT HELPING ME FLOURISH—OR HARMING MY LIFE AND RELATIONSHIPS?
– IS IT SHARPENING MY MIND—OR DULLING IT?
– DOES IT BUILD REAL RELATIONSHIPS—OR ISOLATE ME FURTHER?
– IS IT ADDICTIVE—TRIGGERING A DOPAMINE RELEASE AND CREATING AN INSATIABLE NEED TO KEEP CONSUMING FOR UNHEALTHY AMOUNTS OF TIME?

Jeremiah 15:16 - Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and the joy of my heart.

Psalm 1:2-3 - 1 How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.

Colossians 3:2,4 & 5 - Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with the Messiah in God. 5 Therefore, put to death what belongs to your worldly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.

1.TRACK & EVALUATE YOUR DIGITAL CONSUMPTION
• PHONE: DIGITAL WELL BEING OR SCREEN TIME
• TV
• VIDEO GAMES: XBOX (Family Settings); Playstation (Play Time Management); Nintendo (Parental Controls)

Philippians 4:8 - 8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.

2. COMPARE DIGITAL CONSUMPTION & SPIRITUAL CONSUMPTION
TRACK TIME:
–IN BIBLE APPS OR DIGITAL DEVOTIONALS.
–IN YOUR PHYSICAL BIBLE AND JOURNAL.
–IN PRAYER AND WORSHIP.
–ATTENDING BIBLE STUDY OR GROUPS
–LISTENING TO GODLY INPUT (SERMONS, PODCASTS, DEVOTIONS).

IT’S IMPERATIVE THAT WE SEEK THE ETERNAL PROMISES OF JESUS OVER THE TEMPORARY PLEASURES OF OUR DEVICES.