"Brain Rot and Manifest: The Duality of Our Digital Age"

 This Blog task is assigned by Prof. Dilip Barad sir as part of Sunday reading activity and explore how words encapsulate collective experiences, concerns, and aspirations. For background reading you can click here for teachers blog.

Words of the Year 2024: "Brain Rot" and "Manifest"

Every year, the Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries choose words that capture the key themes and trends of modern life. For 2024, Oxford selected "Brain Rot" reflecting concerns about the negative effects of consuming low-quality online content. Cambridge chose "Manifest," highlighting the importance of setting clear goals and turning dreams into reality. These words show how our digital habits and personal aspirations shape the way we live and communicate.

Oxford Word of the Year: "Brain Rot"

Brain rot’ is defined as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterized as likely to lead to such deterioration.

Cambridge Word of the Year: "Manifest"

According to Cambridge dictionary meaning of manifest is :

 to use methods such as visualization (= picturing something in your mind) and affirmation (= repeating positive phrases) to help you imagine achieving something you want, in the belief that doing so will make it more likely to happen: 

Social , cultural context of the words

The selection of brain rot and manifest as Words of the Year highlights important trends in society. Brain rot focuses on the negative effects of spending too much time on low-quality online content, like endless TikTok videos or shallow social media posts. It reflects growing concerns about how the internet is impacting mental health, especially for young people, and how it can reduce deeper thinking. On the other hand, manifest is all about hope and positivity. It captures the popular idea of achieving goals by visualizing success, which is part of a wider self-improvement and wellness trend. This word reflects how people seek control and purpose in a world full of challenges.

Together, these words show two sides of modern life. Brain rot reminds us of the dangers of being too consumed by digital distractions, while manifest encourages us to focus on personal growth and finding meaning. They reflect how people are trying to balance the fast pace of the digital world with a desire for deeper connection and purpose in their lives. These words speak to the psychological struggles and hopes of our time.

 personal experiences or observations of contemporary society

Both brain rot and manifest strongly resonate with personal and societal experiences in today’s digital era. Observing the concept of brain rot, it’s easy to see how the excessive consumption of social media affects attention spans, mental clarity, and overall well-being. I’ve often noticed how spending too much time scrolling through reels or videos can leave me feeling drained and disconnected. This aligns with broader concerns about digital overload in society, where shallow content often replaces deep, meaningful conversations or hobbies. Many people around me, especially younger individuals, experience similar struggles, emphasizing how this term reflects a widespread issue in our modern lives.

Digital Media Overload: 

The term "brain rot" has gained attention as Oxford's Word of the Year 2024. It highlights mental fatigue caused by overconsumption of trivial online content, like TikTok binge-watching and doomscrolling. Several media outlets, including China Daily, have published pieces discussing its rise as a societal critique of the negative effects of social media.

On the other hand, manifest feels like an antidote to this overwhelm. The idea of focusing on personal goals and visualizing success is empowering, especially in a time when uncertainty and stress dominate our lives. Practices like journaling or affirmations, which are part of the manifest movement, have helped many including myself stay grounded and motivated. On a societal level, this word represents a collective desire to regain control and seek positivity amidst challenges, making it a hopeful counterbalance to the chaos represented by brain rot. Together, these words capture the duality of how we navigate digital distractions and strive for personal growth.

 Many Indian entrepreneurs, like Nikhil Kamath (co-founder of Zerodha), started with a vision of transforming industries and manifested success through determination and strategic efforts.

In what ways do these words influence or reflect the way we think, communicate, and interact?

The words "brain rot" and "manifest" have a significant influence on the way we think, communicate, and interact. "Brain rot" reflects a growing concern over how excessive exposure to shallow, digital content affects mental clarity, leading people to reconsider their screen time and content consumption. It affects how we engage with social media, often prompting discussions on mental health. On the other hand, "manifest" encourages self-motivation and goal-setting, promoting positive, intentional communication about aspirations, influencing personal growth and how individuals approach challenges in both professional and personal lives.

References 

Barad, Dilip. “Brain Rot and Manifest.” Brain Rot and Manifest, 1 Jan. 1970, blog.dilipbarad.com/2024/12/brain-rot-and-manifest.html. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Heaton, Benedict. “‘Brain Rot’ Named Oxford Word of the Year 2024.” Oxford University Press, 2 Dec. 2024, corp.oup.com/news/brain-rot-named-oxford-word-of-the-year-2024/. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

“Manifest” is Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2024. Cambridge.org, www.cambridge.org/news-and-insights/word-of-the-year-2024. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Cambridge Dictionary. English Dictionary, Translations & Thesaurus. 14 Dec. 2024, dictionary.cambridge.org/. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.