Brain Rot and Manifest

Exploring the Words of the Year 2024 | Brain Rot and Manifest


This Blog part of task given by Dilipsir Barad

Every year, lexicographers compile their dictionaries by analysing social media platforms to identify new words for inclusion. Many of these words reflect the diverse social trends of that specific year. In 2024, many words emerged from social media and various cultural trends. Most of these dictionaries shortlist the words to reflect the moods and conversations that have helped shape the past year. Below are some of the most prominent trending words of 2024.

• Why ‘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”.

Our experts noticed that ‘brain rot’ gained new prominence this year as a term used to capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media. The term increased in usage frequency by 230% between 2023 and 2024.

The first recorded use of ‘brain rot’ was found in 1854 in Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden, which reports his experiences of living a simple lifestyle in the natural world. As part of his conclusions, Thoreau criticizes society’s tendency to devalue complex ideas, or those that can be interpreted in multiple ways, in favour of simple ones, and sees this as indicative of a general decline in mental and intellectual effort: “While England endeavours to cure the potato rot, will not any endeavour to cure the brain-rot – which prevails so much more widely and fatally?”

• Brain rot

Oxford University Press announced ‘brain rot’ as the Oxford Word of the Year for 2024 after a public vote in which more than 37,000 people had their say. 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”.

The term ‘brain rot’ emerged with renewed significance this year, reflecting growing apprehensions regarding the effects of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, particularly on social media platforms. Its usage frequency surged by 230% from 2023 to 2024. The first recorded use of ‘brain rot’ was found in 1854 in Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden.

                

The term has become significant in the digital age, especially in 2024. Since gaining traction on social media platforms-particularly on TikTok among Gen Z and Gen Alpha communities- ‘brain rot’ is now becoming more widely used amid societal concerns about overconsuming online content.

Societal Significance:

Critique of Media Consumption: "Brain Rot" critiques the addictive nature of digital platforms and their role in shaping passive consumption habits.

Reflection on Modern Work and Leisure: It emphasizes the blurred boundaries between work, rest, and entertainment, highlighting concerns about over-reliance on escapism.

Youth Identity and Humor: Among younger generations, it has also become a humorous self-aware expression to acknowledge their media habits.

• Manifest

Over at Cambridge University Press (CUP), the WOTY is “Manifest” (verb), a word that captures the power of visualisation and positive affirmation.

Cambridge focuses on one definition of the word: “To use methods such as visualisation (= 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.” Other meanings included “to show something clearly, through signs or actions,” “to appear or become clear” and “easily noticed or obvious.”

“Manifest” saw nearly 130,000 lookups on the Cambridge Dictionary website, becoming one of the most searched terms of the year.

The word’s modern interpretation has shifted from the realms of self-help communities and social media to mainstream discussions, fuelled by celebrities and influencers promoting the concept of “manifesting” success, it added.

Societal Significance:

Empowerment and Self-Realization: The idea of manifesting resonates with movements that encourage individuals to take control of their destinies and visualize success.

Critique of Individualism: Critics argue that the concept can promote a toxic positivity culture, ignoring systemic barriers and privileging personal willpower over societal factors.

Economic and Social Contexts: Manifestation culture reflects neoliberal ideals, where individuals are seen as entrepreneurs of their own lives, responsible for their successes and failures.

• Comparison and Intersection

Cultural Commentary:

"Brain Rot" critiques the passive consumption of media, whereas "Manifest" champions active mental engagement with goals.

Both terms reveal society's evolving relationship with the mind: one addresses its perceived decline due to overstimulation, while the other emphasizes its creative and transformative potential.

Social Reflection:

They reflect cultural anxieties and aspirations in the digital age. "Brain Rot" warns against surrendering to external distractions, while "Manifest" exemplifies the desire for agency and control.

"Brain Rot" – A Personal Perspective

Reflection: I often associate "Brain Rot" with the feeling of mental fatigue after spending too much time scrolling through social media or watching repetitive content on platforms like TikTok or YouTube. It’s that moment when you realize hours have slipped away, yet you can’t quite recall what you consumed. This highlights how easily digital spaces can dominate our attention while offering little in return.

"Manifest" – A Personal Perspective

Reflection: "Manifest" strikes me as a hopeful and sometimes idealistic response to life’s uncertainties. I’ve seen friends creating "vision boards" or repeating affirmations, trying to align their thoughts with their goals. There’s something empowering about imagining your future self achieving dreams, even if it feels abstract at times.

Thank you 

These are my references: 

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.

“The 2024 Wordy Journey: From ’brain rot to manifest, brat to demure.” MorungExpress, morungexpress.com/the-2024-wordy-journey-from-brain-rot-to-manifest-brat-to-demure.

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