Reading reduces social media 'brainrot' effects in 2025

In 2025, many people are trying to combat "brainrot," a term for mental decline from excessive social media use. A growing trend on TikTok encourages users to share reading lists to promote reading over scrolling. One individual reports positive changes after returning to reading. They experienced improved sleep quality, better focus, and a broader perspective on life. Reading before bed has helped them sleep deeper and ignore distractions in daily life. The shift from social media to books highlights a desire for meaningful engagement. Readers find that fiction offers insights into human experiences that quick social media clips cannot provide.