Pope Urges Vigilance Against the Perils of ‘Brain Rot’ in Today’s Digital Age

Pope Francis addressed the dangers of “brain rot” caused by social media addiction during a speech on January 25, 2025, at the Jubilee of the World of Communications. He emphasized the importance of education and the role of courageous media professionals in combating this issue, speaking to around 9,000 journalists and media workers from nearly 140 countries.

Pope Francis highlighted the term “brain rot,” which was named the Oxford dictionary’s word of the year for 2024. He urged individuals to find the courage to free their hearts from corrupting influences, particularly the addiction to incessant social media scrolling. The pontiff stressed that collective efforts in education, especially for the youth, are essential to combat this modern ailment.

During his address, Francis stated, “Great changes cannot be the result of a multitude of sleeping minds, but rather begin with the communion of enlightened hearts.” He called for the need for courageous entrepreneurs and computer engineers to ensure that communication remains beautiful and untainted. The event gathered a diverse audience of journalists and media workers, both in person and online.

Furthermore, the pope advocated for the defense of press freedom and the release of unjustly imprisoned journalists. He reminded media workers of their special responsibility to amplify the voices of the marginalized and to instill a sense of good and evil in their audiences. This call to action was met with significant attention from the attendees, who were encouraged to reflect on their roles in society.

Pope Francis’s remarks underscore the pressing issue of social media addiction and its effects on mental health, urging a collective response through education and responsible media practices. His call for courageous action resonates with the need for ethical standards in journalism and communication.