Why Brain Rot Is the Perfect Word for 2024
gain traction: to become popular or make progress over time
“Brain rot” is the Oxford Dictionary’s 2024 word of the year. It describes how spending too much time on low-quality online content, like silly videos or memes, can destroy our minds. The expression gained traction on TikTok and other social media platforms. People often use the phrase as a funny way to talk about the dangers of endless scrolling. Mental health experts warn that social media can be a serious problem. It can affect our focus, especially for young people. Australia even made social media illegal for children under 16 partly for this reason.
Although “brain rot” became widely used in 2024, it is not a new expression. The term was first used in 1854 by writer Henry David Thoreau. He complained about society preferring simple ideas instead of deep thinking. Today, people worry that the internet is causing the same problem.
Sample sentences
The new electric car started to gain traction after the company lowered its price.
Online learning gained traction during the pandemic when schools closed.
Her blog about healthy recipes gained traction after she posted a video that went viral.