Oxford University Press has announced 'brain rot' as its Word of the Year for 2024, a term that refers to the supposed deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state due to excessive consumption of online content lacking narrative, such as TikTok videos. This selection reflects the growing concern about the effects of online content on our mental health and intellectual well-being.

The term 'brain rot' was chosen after the Oxford University Press analyzed a corpus of 26 billion words from news sources across the English-speaking world to identify the prevailing moods and conversations that shaped 2024. This annual tradition aims to capture the zeitgeist of the year, providing insight into the cultural and social trends that define our times.

Interestingly, 'brain rot' is not yet included in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), despite being recognized as the Word of the Year. This is not an isolated incident, as previous winners, such as 'rizz' (2023) and 'goblin mode' (2022), also lack an OED entry. According to the OED's editors, these terms have not yet demonstrated the sustained and widespread usage required for inclusion in the dictionary.

This raises questions about the criteria for selecting the Word of the Year and the role of the OED in documenting language evolution. While the Oxford University Press's selection process provides a snapshot of popular culture, the OED's more rigorous standards ensure that only words with lasting impact are enshrined in the dictionary. The lag between popular usage and OED recognition highlights the complex dynamics between language, culture, and technology.

The inclusion of 'tech-savvy' in the OED, with its earliest known use dating back to the 1980s, serves as a reminder that language adaptation is a gradual process. As technology continues to shape our lives and interactions, it will be fascinating to observe how words like 'brain rot' evolve and potentially become an integral part of our linguistic landscape.

The naming of 'brain rot' as the Word of the Year sparks a broader conversation about the impact of online content on our mental health and intellectual well-being. As we increasingly rely on digital platforms for information and entertainment, it is essential to consider the potential consequences of excessive consumption and the importance of maintaining a balanced online presence.

In conclusion, the selection of 'brain rot' as the Word of the Year for 2024 serves as a thought-provoking commentary on our digital habits and the role of language in reflecting our cultural values. As we move forward, it will be crucial to monitor the evolution of this term and its implications for our collective understanding of the intersection between technology, language, and society.