Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "brain rot," a term selected by Oxford University as the word of the year for 2024, which refers to the decline of independent thinking, focus, critical thinking, and cognitive depth in the face of overwhelming information [5][6]. Group 1: The Impact of Information Overload - The article highlights how individuals are inundated with information yet struggle to form their own insights, leading to a crisis of thought [4][6]. - An experiment involving adults showed that those who limited their exposure to short videos had a significantly higher retention rate of information compared to those who consumed them excessively [10][11]. - Children exposed to excessive television showed a marked decline in creativity and detail in their drawings, indicating that fragmented information consumption affects cognitive development [12][14]. Group 2: The New Ignorance Era - The article references David Brooks, who argues that the internet has not improved human ignorance but has instead ushered in a "new ignorance era," where superficial knowledge replaces deep understanding [16][17]. - It points out that many individuals can recall trivial internet trends but struggle with deeper intellectual engagement, reflecting a shift in thinking habits rather than a decline in ability [18][19]. Group 3: Strategies to Combat Brain Rot - The article proposes a "brain shaping plan" to regain cognitive control, which includes actively filtering information sources, engaging in deep reading, and establishing "phone-free" zones to enhance focus [29][30][32]. - It emphasizes the importance of the Feynman Technique, which involves explaining concepts clearly to others as a measure of understanding [34]. - Encouraging cross-disciplinary learning is suggested as a way to foster innovative thinking and break down cognitive barriers [35].