Brain Rot in the Digital Age: The Silent Threat to Children’s and Adolescents’ Minds – A Psycho-Educational Review of Cognitive Decline and Preventive Strategies

Zayed, Amal; Zakaria Al-Sayed Al-Najjar, Hosni

doi:10.21608/edusohag.2025.419910.1793

Brain Rot in the Digital Age: The Silent Threat to Children’s and Adolescents’ Minds – A Psycho-Educational Review of Cognitive Decline and Preventive Strategies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Dept. of Educational psychology, college of Education, Kafrelsheikh University. Egypt.

² Professor and Head of the Department of Educational Psychology Faculty of Education - Kafrelsheikh University

10.21608/edusohag.2025.419910.1793

Abstract

The rapid and continuous expansion of digital devices and social media in the digital age has led to increased reliance by children and adolescents on these tools in their daily lives, prompting research interest in examining the psychological and cognitive effects of the digital environment on young individuals. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive psycho-educational review of the concept of Brain Rot, emphasizing the nature of the phenomenon and its significance in the context of intensive technology use and its impact on children’s and adolescents’ cognitive and psychological capacities. The paper further addresses the symptoms associated with the phenomenon and their role in explaining potential cognitive decline, followed by a discussion of the cultural, psychological, and educational transformations accompanying it, highlighting their effects on learning, social behavior, and related educational challenges. Additionally, the study presents a detailed analysis of the dimensions of digital brain rot. Finally, the paper proposes a set of preventive mechanisms and strategies aimed at mitigating the effects of the phenomenon and enhancing children’s and adolescents’ digital awareness regarding the risks associated with the digital environment. This approach provides a comprehensive framework for researchers and educators to understand the phenomenon scientifically while emphasizing the importance of implementing preventive measures to ensure healthy cognitive, social, and psychological development for future generations.

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