Impact of compulsive use of digital media, especially on Children. Here are key issues in Q&A format – impact, recent trends, how to mitigate impact, how do I know I need professional help?
- In your personal experience counselling clients, what are the social affects of brain rot and being chronically online and why? (e.g. isolation, aggression, self-esteem issues, social dysfunction like not being able to talk to people in real life).
In internet culture, brain rot (or brainrot) describes internet content deemed to be of low quality or value, or the supposed negative psychological and cognitive effects caused by it – Wikipedia. It is so ubiquitous that last year, Oxford University Press announced that its word of the year was ‘brain rot’.
The immediate impact of being chronically online is reduction in meaningful face to face interactions. This in turn leads to difficulty in maintaining long term relationships and increased feelings of isolation as per Behavioural Neuroscientist Dr Kyra Bobinet, author of the unstoppable brain. As per 2025 research on the National Library of Medicine “ Social Media Algorithms and Teen Addiction: Neurophysiological Impact and Ethical Considerations” and similar research, Instagram usage can trigger dopamine similar to use of cocaine while Tiktok’s variable reward schedule mimics slot machines.
Being chronically online also increases exposure to extreme content and normalization of dangerous behaviours, including influencing group behaviour. As per recent study by World Psychiatry Association, National Library of Medicine, US), real world events are credited with social media such as US elections (2016) and Brexit.
The isolation, disconnectedness with self and the world could cement reliance on behaviours (such as reliance on digital media)/substances that provide artificial stimulation which can then manifest in a whole host of behaviours. This can range from mild social awkwardness, anxiety, depression, aggression to high functioning but also highly reliant on their compulsive behaviour, and if that’s left unchecked, to being dysfunctional and eventually leading to loss of career, family and resources. I have seen every single of these variations in my work.
- Have you seen a rise in people coming in to be treated for social media addictions, and what’s the estimated number? (e.g. rise by 10% in patients who are phone addicts in past year).
Yes I have seen a continued increase in cases of problematic use of digital media. These may present not just as compulsive users of media; the resultant isolation feeds into compulsive behaviours across the board. I am seeing a double-digit growth in clients exhibiting problematic engagement of digital media and host of others including alcohol, gaming, gambling and sex amongst others.
- How can we recover our ability to think deeply, live with a balanced online-offline presence, and sustain long-form focus in a culture of instant gratification? How can we heal from brain rot?
Managing a compulsive habit which has been formed and engaged in over years or decades may take patience and effort to manage. I would say the first step is to practice kindness towards self. Nobody aims to grow up to be an ‘addict’. Start with increasing activities that bring joy – whether its time spent with loved ones, sports, eating well, hobbies, yoga, meditation etc. Then prune the most toxic bits – apps that take up the most time (cut them off or have time limits and follow them). Switch off notifications on the phone and the smart watch. Carve out chunks of time during the day when no media is accessed, especially for some time before and after going to bed, during meals and time spent connecting with others. Finally, seek professional support as the reliance on digital media maybe just the symptom of a deeper underlying issues that have not been addressed.
- So when do we know if we have crossed over from merely high media consumption to problematic usage of digital media?
There isn’t a formally recognized test for this. However, there are some signs to watch out for which may indicate a professional intervention is necessary – when its hard to not get on to FB/Instagram etc, even when its interfering other important activities or if you have tried to frame rules around using digital media and been unable to follow them or feeling anxious when being unable to access digital media, amongst others.
I have found that clients usually know in their heart when they are engaged in compulsive behaviour. Unfortunately, though, most go through a period of denial. It is indeed hard to give up one’s emotional fix because there isn’t a quick and easy replacement. And this is despite knowing that the so called ‘fix’ is only ensnaring them further into their pain. Importantly, there is also lack of awareness that actually with a little bit of effort, there can be significant difference to quality of life. We have seen so many clients living a very different life, finding meaning and joy and no longer a slave to their conditioned behaviours. Starting early is key to managing the transition faster and with less pain.
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