Olesia Vlasova

In today’s screen-filled world, learning changes unexpectedly. The term “brain rot”, once TikTok slang, is now Oxford’s Word of the Year, sparking debates about its role in education. Can short, snackable content help people learn, or is it just another distraction?

In this article, we look at how digital habits, gamification, and microlearning connect with how modern generations learn, examining whether “educational brain rot” is a breakthrough or just another buzzword.

Oxford University Press (OUP) has selected “brain rot” as its Word of the Year for 2024. The term, chosen from a vote of over 37,000 participants, reflects the feeling of mental decline after excessive, aimless scrolling. The dictionary also defines it as “something characterised as likely to lead to such deterioration,” describing both the cause and effect.

According to The Guardian, the concept of brain rot was hinted at nearly 20 years ago when scientists examined the effects of a new invention: email. They found that the constant stream of information caused cognitive overload, leading to an average IQ drop of 10 points – worse than the effects of cannabis use.

In the past year, the term has gained new significance. Initially popular on TikTok, it has now spread to mainstream journalism amid growing concerns about the harmful effects of overconsuming online content.

Recent studies from Oxford, Harvard, and King’s College reveal that heavy internet use is linked to reduced grey matter in the prefrontal regions, “structural brain changes,” shortened attention spans and weakened memory. Too much tech use during childhood and adolescence may also cause “digital dementia,” scientists warn.

Still, some people claim they can learn something while “brain rotting.”

AI is transforming education technology. For instance, Duolingo uses AI to teach languages through video calls with AI characters, making lessons more personalised.

At first glance, AI-driven brain rot and training materials seem complete opposites. However, the “brain rot” is now also evolving into educational content, creating new opportunities for AI-assisted learning. This content type is even called “educational brain rot” online.

Numerous “PDF to Brainrot” tools, such as PDF to Braintrot, Memenome, Grademaxx, Coconote, and many others, allegedly help students focus while studying by reading documents aloud over calming videos, such as paint mixing or Minecraft and Subway Surfers gameplay.

Oh well, here and here, you can see some examples of such “educational” content.

But who is the audience for such content – those who can not only watch it freely but also learn from it? It seems to be Gen Alpha.

Australian researcher Mark McCrindle coined the term “Generation Alpha” for those born after Generation Z, roughly between 2010 and the mid-2020s. He notes that this generation has more access to technology, information, and external influences than any before.

Generation Alpha is growing up in a tech-driven world where screens have been used for entertainment and educational tools since early childhood.

A study by Hungarian and Slovakian researchers also noted similarities with Generation Z, such as more significant social media influence and shifts in learning styles, which call for innovative teaching methods.

For example, Australian researchers explored how Gen Alpha uses reading practices while playing Minecraft. The study found that even children with basic reading skills could apply reading techniques, interpret information, and engage socially with other players. Observations and interviews highlighted that children were highly engaged with the game, and the study concluded that technology like Minecraft plays a key role in how this generation learns.

Due to their learning characteristics, Generation Alpha faces challenges with traditional educational methods. It’s assumed that their preference for quick, short content makes it harder to focus on deeper learning and understand complex subjects. While they can manage multiple information streams, this can limit deep, focused learning.

One learning mechanism that effectively taps into Generation Alpha's traits is gamification, which incorporates game elements to enhance the educational process. Studies show it positively affects learning, but its success depends on the context and the users. Duolingo is a prime example of gamification in learning, using points, levels, badges, and streaks to motivate users. Challenges and rewards make learning feel like a game, helping it become one of the most popular language apps globally.

However, this can lead to the flawed belief that game mechanics alone can teach anything. Gamification works best alongside traditional teaching methods, boosting motivation and engagement. It’s effective for language learning and math skills but may require more in-depth instruction for complex concepts.

The same applies to microlearning, which delivers bite-sized chunks of information. It can be effective for quick, focused topics like language learning or skill practice and is helpful for just-in-time learning or reinforcing previously learned material. It fits nicely into busy schedules with short, regular sessions. However, it’s not ideal for complex subjects that require deeper focus. For learning something substantial, like a new profession, longer formats, such as a three-hour live webinar or in-person class, allow for better engagement, understanding, and opportunities to ask questions.

If game mechanics take over, the learning experience may feel more like a game, reducing focus on long-term retention and critical thinking. Similarly, microlearning can become too simple if learners move from one short lesson to the next without exploring complex topics deeply, limiting deeper understanding.

Regarding “educational brain rot,” it’s still unclear whether it can be a valuable learning strategy. On one hand, research shows that Gen Alpha perceives things very differently from previous generations, which calls for new teaching methods. On the other hand, it’s hard even to imagine listening to a scientific article read by an AI voice while watching a Subway Surfers video, right? Or perhaps someone’s behind the times.

Anyway, the truth likely lies somewhere in the middle, as always.

It seems like “educational brain rot” can really help some students by making learning more engaging and less intimidating, using game-like elements, simple visuals, or ASMR. It could be just a format change that simplifies complex topics, presenting them in a familiar and easily understandable way. These videos cater to the need for quick stimuli and short attention spans. Addictive and easily accessible, they provide a burst of entertainment and dopamine, which studies suggest can boost concentration and motivation.

A bigger concern with TikTok’s popularity is the hidden ads for AI tools disguised as entertainment or educational content, with their marketing raising questions. TechCrunch reports that some creators promoting these tools may have undisclosed ties to the products, which have little connection to real learning.