CLAIM: 

Mindless scrolling is shrinking your brain. 

FACT: 

Experts say mindless scrolling can harm focus, memory, and mood, with some early studies suggesting possible thinning of the cerebral cortex and grey matter loss. But evidence is still limited, and more large-scale research is needed before confirming that it shrinks the brain.

You’ve probably come across so-called ‘brain rot’ reels while scrolling late at night—those oddly meaningless clips that make no sense, yet you end up watching them till the very end.

A dog using a goat’s horn as a plough, hens dancing in a field, or birds sowing seeds—it’s bizarre, random, and forgettable, but somehow you keep going. The next video appears, then the next, and before you realise it, your mind feels foggy, restless, and oddly drained. This sensation has come to be known as brain rot. Once just internet slang, the term has now slipped into mainstream conversations around mental health, describing the cognitive fatigue and emotional numbness caused by mindless consumption of endless online content. 

Tapping into this debate, Dr Manan Vora, an orthopedic surgeon with over 551,000 followers on Instagram, posted a viral reel that has struck a chord with many. “Brain rot is not just a meme. It’s a fact. And it can shrink your brain. New studies have shown that just two-plus hours of mindless scrolling daily will reduce the grey matter in your brain. And this happens in parts of your brain which are responsible for memory, focus, and decision-making. It’s like your brain is slowly switching off,” he reacts in the reel.

Is mindless scrolling shrinking your brain?

Oxford’s Word of the Year for 2024 was “brain rot”. Many of us may feel it intuitively, but the dictionary defines it 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.”

While this was once just a slang term, research now suggests that excessive digital consumption may literally affect our brains, especially grey matter —the brain tissue responsible for essential functions such as memory, decision-making, emotions, and movement.  

One study found that increased screen use among adults can harm learning, memory, and mental health, and may even increase the risk of early neurodegeneration. The study showed that adults aged 18–25 with excessive screen time experienced thinning of the cerebral cortex, the brain’s outermost layer responsible for memory and decision-making.

Supporting this, a  2021 review highlighted that, “Excessive smartphone use is associated with difficulties in cognitive-emotion regulation, impulsivity, impaired cognitive function, addiction to social networking, shyness and low self-esteem. Medical problems include sleep problems, reduced physical fitness, unhealthy eating habits, pain and migraines, reduced cognitive control and changes in the brain’s gray matter volume.” 

Further evidence comes from a 2021 study published in Molecular Psychiatry, which examined structural brain changes in individuals classified as “problematic users” (PUI) of the Internet—covering various problematic online behaviours regardless of type. The researchers found significantly decreased gray matter in multiple brain areas of PUI subjects compared to controls. 

A more recent 2025 review emphasised the broader cognitive consequences, noting that “excessive digital exposure shrinks the ability to invest in more restorative intellectual activities, such as deep thinking, reflection, or focused problem-solving. This, cumulatively, will result in a severe decline in cognitive function and will make everyday tasks that require sustained attention and mental effort much more difficult to navigate.” 

Meanwhile, while existing studies suggest possible links between excessive screen time and changes in brain structure, Dr Vinit Suri, Senior Consultant Neurologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, highlights that more large-scale research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.

According to him, there is some emerging evidence- both from animal experiments and human studies- that “increased screen time, whether through mobile phones, laptops, or computers, can cause thinning of the cerebral cortex and some loss of grey matter, especially in the frontal lobe.” However, he cautions that these are early findings. “It’s not a confirmed fact, but worrying data is coming up which suggests this may be happening,” he said, adding that large-scale studies will be necessary to establish the extent of structural damage. 

Beyond structural changes, Dr Suri emphasises that functional impairments are far more evident. Excessive screen exposure and multitasking can reduce attention span, weaken concentration, and impair mood regulation. He explained that many patients report forgetfulness, often saying, “I can’t remember names, or what I did yesterday.” This, he notes, is often linked to multitasking on screens, which prevents the brain from properly registering events. 

Dr Suri also pointed out that lifestyle factors compound the problem. Excessive time online often displaces physical activity and other enriching pursuits, which are vital for brain and general health. “Functionally, there is definitely an impact in terms of concentration and memory. Structurally, we need more data, but early evidence suggests some cortical and grey matter loss, particularly in the frontal and temporal regions,” he explained. 

He also raised concerns about children’s exposure to screens. Citing the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s guidelines, he said: “Children under 18 months should not be exposed to screens at all, except for brief video chatting. Between 18 to 24 months, screen use should be limited to an hour or less, ideally with educational content. For ages 2 to 5 years, no more than one hour a day, and for those aged 5 to 15 years, less than two hours daily.” Early and excessive exposure, he warned, could have long-term consequences that only future studies will reveal. 

Also read: Is your phone destroying your brain? The shocking truth about attention span