The word from Oxford University Press in 2024 was “brain rot.” The year also brought us a flood of TikToks documenting “bed rot.” What’s all this rotting about – and is it a trend we should consider by 2025?

But first: What do these terms, commonly used by Generation Z and Millennials, even mean?

“‘Brain rot’ typically refers to the idea of ​​engaging in mindless consumption of content, such as scrolling social media or binge-watching, which over time feels like the brain is numbing or dulling,” explains Psychotherapist Brittany Cilento Kopycienski owns Glow Counseling Solutions. “‘Bed rot’ means spending an excessive amount of time in bed, which leads to physical and mental stagnation.”

Both activities seem to be about figuring out whatever your current reality is – and coming to terms with the often good feeling of doing nothing. Is this good for our mental health? That’s what experts say.

Why are we so attracted to “rotting”?

“Let’s face it: bed rotting or brain rotting is not a style of lazy living. It’s about escape,” psychologist Caitlin Slavens tells Yahoo Life. “The world is loud, chaotic and often overwhelming. “Rotting” is like hitting a giant snooze button in life. When you’re overwhelmed with expectations (of work, family, or even yourself), shutting down seems to be your only option.”

She adds: “These trends are a response to a world in which we feel like we have to perform at every moment of our lives – at work, on social media, for each other’s expectations.” The rise the rot shows that we are burnt out together.”

This may be particularly true for younger adults. “Our brains experience unprecedented levels of stimulation from constant notifications, social media, and digital engagement,” social psychology and mental health therapist Sophia Spencer tells Yahoo Life. “For Generation Z, and especially Millennials, they are the first generations to do this,” that they live this way from a young age and that this becomes their norm. Essentially, their brains are exposed to a level of information that was once unimaginable and is not what our brains are designed for.”

However, others argue that this urge to distance oneself from life is not new, but rather something that previous generations also felt as they grew up.

“Do you remember the ‘adult’ movement?” emphasizes Slavens. “People began to celebrate even the most basic tasks of life, like doing laundry or paying bills, as if they were an asset in a world so big that it seemed overwhelming.” Or hygge – the mid-century Scandinavian concept of warm living – where we all agreed that we needed candles and blankets to feel better when we were burnt out. “All of these trends speak to the same need: to relax, breathe and feel good about not doing everything.”

Is rotting a bad thing?

It really depends on the intent behind it – and how much time is spent staring at screens rather than actually resting. For many people, bed rot is a special form of self-care: a day spent in bed focusing solely on recharging. “Our brains are not designed to run at full speed all the time. Intentional breaks, time away from screens, and permission to eat vegetables can be restorative,” says Slavens. “The problem is when rotting becomes avoidance, when we avoid responsibilities or feelings that we are afraid of. So yeah, a little rotten? Great. Complete decay? Probably not ideal.”

As for “brain rot,” who among us hasn’t mindlessly scrolled on our phone? “’Rotting’ in moderation can be seen as an opportunity to reset mentally,” says Kopycienski. “It can provide a break from constant stimulation and allow for emotional recovery.”

How do we move forward?

When you think about all of this, it seems to be short and sweet that it’s about burnout. And the best way to combat burnout is to fester or rot; According to experts, the best way to get this under control is through targeted rest breaks.

“The best thing we can do is redefine what rest looks like in the digital age,” says Spencer. “Instead of reactively rotting, we should have a system of proactive healthy habits.” That might mean proactively setting better work-life boundaries, reducing our commitments, or being online less to minimize burnout in the first place. Spencer doesn’t rule out more radical changes.

“When our ancestors experienced significant social changes, such as during the Industrial Revolution, people switched from the agricultural rhythm of following daylight to the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. factory schedule,” she notes. “I think we need to see the digital age as a significant change in our lives… and adapt our lives accordingly.”