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Cited by 6Impact of Technology on AdolescentsDigital Media and PhilosophyChild Development and Digital Technology

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THE COGNITIVE CONSEQUENCES OF DIGITAL ADDICTION: EXPLORING THE PHENOMENON OF “BRAIN ROT”

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Adam, Noor Latiffah, Cik Soh, Shaharuddin·2025·Journal of Information System and Technology Management
DOI 10.35631/jistm.1039008
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Abstract

This study aims to investigate the phenomenon of "brain rot," which refers to the gradual cognitive deterioration potentially resulting from excessive digital consumption. Using a qualitative research methodology combining systematic literature review and conceptual analysis, we examined the neurobiological mechanisms of digital addiction, the impact of algorithmic content delivery on cognitive function, and identified vulnerable demographic groups. Our findings indicate that excessive screen time can lead to memory issues, decreased attention span, and impaired decision-making abilities through dopamine dysregulation and neuroplasticity changes. The study also reveals that social media algorithms may exacerbate these effects through promoting emotionally triggering content and creating echo chambers. While the Internet offers numerous benefits, understanding its potential cognitive impacts is essential, particularly for children and adolescents whose brains are still developing. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on digital wellness and provides practical recommendations for healthier technology use.

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  • Brain rot manifests as mental exhaustion and a measurable decline in cognitive functions and attentional capacity resulting from prolonged exposure to excessive digital content.

    “Grounded in neuroscientific evidence, brain rot manifests as mental exhaustion and a measurable decline in cognitive functions and attentional capacity resulting from prolonged exposure to excessive digital content [31–33].”

    From Students’ struggle with digital addiction: the truth of brain rot (2025) · cites this paper as [31]

    The Discussion (page unavailable) says digital overconsumption may affect attention and other cognitive functions, and Impact on Cognitive Functions reports reduced performance on sustained-attention tasks. The paper does not establish mental exhaustion as a manifestation of brain rot, and its qualified synthesis does not support presenting a measurable decline caused by prolonged exposure as settled fact. (LLM, conf=0.86)

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Research works printed but not linked: 24

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Metadata

Authors
Adam, N. L., & Cik Soh, S.
Affiliations
  • Universiti Teknologi MARA System (MY)
  • Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
ORCID
Adam, Noor Latiffah
Venue
Journal of Information System and Technology Management
Publisher
Global Academic Excellence (M) Sdn Bhd
Published
2025-06-10
Volume
10
Issue
39
Pages
120-134
ISSN
0128-1666 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.35631/jistm.1039008
OpenAlex
W4412675554
Cited by
6
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 6
FWCI
5.83
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
Journal of Information System and Technology Management (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
Division of Mathematical Sciences
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
  • Social Sciences › Communication › Digital Media and Philosophy
  • Social Sciences › Education › Child Development and Digital Technology
Keywords
digital addiction, brain rot, cognitive decline, excessive screen time, dopamine dysregulation, neuroplasticity, social media algorithms, echo chambers, attention span, memory impairment, decision-making, children and adolescents, digital well-being, technology use

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