Is doom scrolling really rotting our brains? The evidence is getting harder to ignore | Siân Boyle

Oxford English Dictionary has announced brain rot’ as its word of year .

The dictionary defines it 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) The average UK adult now spends at least four hours a day online.

The term brain rot was popularised online by young people who are most at risk of its effects.

The fact that those at risk have the most self-awareness of the problem is heartening news.

Anti-technology movements have gained traction in recent years , from teenagers turning to dumbphones to campaigns for a smartphone-free childhood.