Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "information overload" and its detrimental effects on mental health, particularly highlighting the concept of "brain rot" as a symptom of cognitive decline due to excessive low-quality information consumption [2][3]. Group 1: Information Overload and Its Effects - "Brain rot" is a term that describes the cognitive fatigue and decline resulting from information overload, likening the brain's struggle to process information to running with a heavy load in high altitude [2]. - The human sensory system can collect information at a rate of approximately 1 billion bits per second, while the brain processes only about 10 bits per second, illustrating a significant disparity between information intake and processing capacity [3]. - The average individual in China spends over 150 minutes daily on short video platforms, leading to an overall screen time of around 4 hours when including other activities like gaming and social media [3]. Group 2: Psychological Mechanisms - The brain's reward system, particularly the dopamine pathways, is activated when individuals gain knowledge or emotional value from information, contributing to a cycle of compulsive information consumption [4]. - The strong functionality of smartphones and the prevalence of multitasking create an environment where users are easily overwhelmed by information streams, as the brain is not well-equipped to handle parallel processing [5]. Group 3: Impact on Youth - Information overload has clear negative impacts on adolescents, with cases of cognitive issues such as disorganized language and weak narrative skills emerging from excessive consumption of low-quality information [6]. - Many young individuals exhibit anxiety in academic or social discussions while showing excitement for gaming and short video topics, indicating a lack of depth in their cognitive processing [6]. Group 4: Solutions for Reducing Cognitive Load - The concept of "digital minimalism" is gaining traction as a lifestyle choice aimed at regaining control over digital consumption, encouraging users to limit their use of digital tools [7]. - Experts suggest implementing boundaries for digital behavior, such as setting daily limits for recreational internet use and designating "screen-free" periods to foster face-to-face interactions [7]. - Alternative cognitive training methods, such as reading physical books and engaging in logic games, are recommended to rebuild sustained thinking abilities and improve overall cognitive health [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "information overload" and its detrimental effects on mental health, highlighting the need for awareness and strategies to mitigate its impact on cognitive functions and overall well-being [1][2][3]. Group 1: Information Overload and Its Effects - The term "brain rot" has emerged to describe the cognitive decline and mental fatigue caused by excessive information consumption in the digital age [1]. - Research indicates that the human sensory system can collect information at a rate of approximately 1 billion bits per second, while the brain's processing speed is only about 10 bits per second, leading to a significant overload [3]. - Continuous exposure to fragmented and low-quality information, such as repetitive social media notifications, contributes to cognitive stress and can impair memory and attention [2][3]. Group 2: Behavioral Patterns and Digital Consumption - The average individual spends over 150 minutes daily on short video platforms, with total screen time often exceeding 4 hours, indicating a pervasive digital engagement [4]. - Algorithm-driven content recommendations lead to a cycle of instant gratification, causing users to engage in what is termed "information bingeing," which is linked to the brain's reward mechanisms [5][6]. - The prevalence of multi-tasking in digital environments can overwhelm the brain, resulting in increased error rates and cognitive fragmentation, particularly among adolescents [6][7]. Group 3: Strategies for Mitigating Information Overload - Experts suggest setting boundaries for digital consumption, such as limiting daily screen time and establishing "no screen" periods to encourage face-to-face interactions [9][10]. - Engaging in alternative cognitive training activities, such as reading physical books and practicing mindfulness, can help restore the brain's capacity for sustained attention [10]. - Recent regulations in China emphasize the importance of educating minors on healthy internet usage and the responsibilities of various stakeholders in preventing internet addiction [10].