Thinking Activity: Exploring the Words of the Year 2024

 Hello viewers 👋 


I am Maya Batiya, A student of M.A. sem 4 in Department of English MKBU.


Thinking Activity 🤔 

This blog is a part of thinking activity task of SR: Exploring the Words of the Year 2024 | Brain Rot and Manifest. 


-Assigned by Dilip Barad Sir. 


The Words of the Year are chosen annually by leading dictionaries like Oxford, Cambridge, and Collins to reflect significant cultural, social, or technological trends. These selections capture the essence of the public consciousness, highlighting terms that have gained prominence or symbolize key discussions of the year.



Oxford Word of the Year:


        " Brain Rot "- 



 Reflects concerns about the mental effects of excessive consumption of low-quality digital content, highlighting modern anxieties around online culture and mental health.


Cambridge Word of the Year: 

"Manifest" –



 Chosen for its increasing use related to self-improvement, personal growth, and the practice of turning aspirations into reality.


These words offer a linguistic snapshot of the year, demonstrating how language evolves alongside societal trends and global events.

The Oxford Word of the Year ("Brain Rot") and the Cambridge Word of the Year ("Manifest") provide an insightful reflection on the state of contemporary culture, highlighting two distinct yet interconnected trends in society's relationship with the digital world and self-identity.


1. "Brain Rot": Digital Overload and Mental Health Concerns


Cultural Significance:

The term "brain rot" humorously but critically captures the growing awareness of the detrimental effects of excessive consumption of low-quality or superficial online content. The phrase reflects how social media algorithms, endless scrolling, and viral trends contribute to cognitive exhaustion, decreased attention spans, and a sense of mental stagnation. This concept resonates with a society grappling with the addictive nature of digital content and its consequences for productivity and well-being.


Societal Implications:


Mental Health Awareness: 

Increasing public concern about anxiety, burnout, and digital fatigue.


Attention Economy: 

A critique of platforms that exploit human attention, driving engagement at the expense of quality.


Information Quality: 

A growing desire for meaningful and high-quality content in an age of misinformation and entertainment overload.


"Brain rot" encapsulates a collective reckoning with how digital culture impacts cognitive and emotional health, sparking debates about responsible technology use and mental self-care.



2. "Manifest": Aspirations and Personal Empowerment


Cultural Significance:

In contrast to the digital weariness captured by "brain rot," the term "manifest" reflects a more optimistic trend focused on personal growth and empowerment. Rooted in the concept of manifestation, it refers to the belief that envisioning and affirming goals can lead to their realization. This aligns with contemporary self-improvement culture, which blends mindfulness, psychology, and social media influence.


Societal Implications:


Self-Actualization: 

A focus on taking control of one’s destiny amid uncertainty and societal upheaval.


Wellness Culture: 

The rise of mental wellness practices that encourage positive thinking and goal setting.


Social Media Influence: 

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram popularizing manifestation techniques, blending spirituality and modern self-help.


"Manifest" reflects a society looking for empowerment and hope, especially among younger generations seeking meaning and control in an unpredictable world.


Intersection of "Brain Rot" and "Manifest": A Dual Narrative


Together, these words highlight a societal dichotomy:

Cognitive Decline vs. Personal Growth:

 While "brain rot" warns of the dangers of digital saturation, "manifest" represents an antidote — a call for intentional thinking and purposeful action.


Technology’s Double-Edged Nature: 

The digital world is both a source of distraction (brain rot) and a platform for inspiration and self-development (manifest).


This dual narrative underscores the challenges and opportunities of living in an interconnected, digital age, where balance, awareness, and intentionality are key to navigating modern life.


Language profoundly shapes society by influencing thought, communication, and cultural identity. It serves as a tool for expressing ideas, asserting power, and establishing social norms. The nuances and structures of language can both reflect and perpetuate societal hierarchies, ideologies, and biases, while also offering avenues for resistance and change. The way language evolves often mirrors shifts in societal values, such as the drive for inclusivity and equality. Ultimately, language is not just a means of communication but a dynamic force that continually constructs and reconstructs our understanding of the world, highlighting its undeniable role in shaping human experience and social structures.




Thank you.. 🍁🍂🍁


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