This task is a part of thinking activity assigned by dr. DiliP Barad. In this I'll be dealing with the two words of the year 2024 i.e from Cambridge and Oxford. The selection of the Oxford Word of the Year, "Brain Rot," and the Cambridge Word of the Year, "Manifest," reflects distinct social, cultural, and psychological trends in contemporary society. So let's dive into it. Before moving further just have a look at Teachers Blog.
Oxford Word of the Year: "Brain Rot"
"Brain rot" refers to the perceived mental or intellectual decline resulting from excessive use of trivial or low-quality digital content, especially on social media. This phrase resonates strongly in an era dominated by digital disturbance, with its usage increasing significantly in 2024. These term highlights the growing anxiety about the impact of overexposure to superficial online material on critical thinking and mental health. Gen Z and Gen Alpha have popularized this term, showing a self-aware critique of their own social media habits. It underscores a tension between reliance on digital platforms and the recognition of their negative effect.
These term reflects broader concerns about the "quality" of contemporary content consumption, resonating with debates around misinformation, the shortening of attention spans, and the erosion of deep intellectual engagement in favor of quick satisfaction. On a personal level, it aligns with growing concerns about mental health, burnout, and the effects of online hyperactivity. This reflects a deeper cultural additing with the psychological costs of digital life. Let's take an example of the activities which are assigened by my Professors as a task and the resources which we are using should be authentic and should be providing factual and should have proper authenticity, rather then using those unreliable sources.
The term encourages critical reflection on the effects of digital content on mental health. It urges individuals to assess how their using of habits might be contributing to mental fatigue, shallow thinking. Among younger generations, "brain rot" is often used humorously to critique their own habits, reflecting a mix of realisation and departure.
The phrase drives conversations about the need for better content curation and healthier digital habits, fostering dialogue around the value of meaningful intellectual engagement. Individuals are more likely to critique the type of content they engage with or share, emphasizing quality over quantity. These term becomes a tool for critiquing platforms that prioritize engagement metrics over substance, promoting accountability in digital spaces. The below linked video will help in understanding the meaning of the word.
The word "manifest" relates to bringing ideas, goals, or feelings into tangible reality, often through intentionality or belief. Its popularity stems from the global rise of interest in mindfulness, personal development, and spirituality. The increasing emphasis on manifesting ties into broader societal trends where individuals are seeking empowerment and control in uncertain times, such as the post-pandemic world. This reflects a collective desire for agency amidst widespread socioeconomic challenges.
Manifesting is deeply intertwined with wellness culture and the resurgence of practices like journaling, visualization, and affirmations. It also resonates with new-age spirituality and self-help movements, making it a staple in modern discourse around personal growth. Psychologically, it connects with concepts of self-efficacy and positive reinforcement. It offers a framework for individuals to cope with stress and uncertainty by focusing on achievable goals and maintaining optimism.
It inspires goal-oriented thinking, encouraging individuals to believe in their ability to shape their realities through focus and effort. It reflects and reinforces a mindset of empowerment in the face of challenges, promoting resilience by aligning actions with aspirations. Platforms reinforce this trend, with "manifestation" often being shared as hashtags, quotes, or success stories, which can be in human form or can be divine and in which an individual finds inspiring.It promotes supportive interactions where people encourage each other to pursue their dreams, reflecting a shift toward collaborative growth. This growth can be in the field of education, or in job areas etc.
In challenging times, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea of manifesting positive outcomes has provided hope and a sense of agency when external circumstances felt uncontrollable. It has gained prominence on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where users share success stories, affirmations, and tips for creating positive change in their lives. This aligns with a broader cultural push toward mental wellness and resilience.These words highlight a tension in contemporary society: while "brain rot" critiques the detrimental effects of technology and consumerism, "manifest" offers an aspirational counterpoint, emphasizing personal agency and optimism.
On a personal level, they resonate with the need to balance consumption and creation, passive scrolling and intentional engagement. Observing spy and broader society, it’s clear that while technology can overwhelm, it also provides tools for self-improvement if used wisely. Below I'm attaching some videos for more clear understanding.
Hope this would be helpful,
Thank you.
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