Topical Talk

Doomscrolling and brain rot

How to develop healthier digital habits.

Collage of pages from the “Doomscrolling and brain rot” teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 05 December 2025

About this lesson

Around the world, people are becoming more anxious about the impact of digital technology. Endless doomscrolling and rapid-fire, rage-provoking content can distort our view of the world, ourselves and our neighbours.

What drives unhealthy online habits? And how can young people build a better relationship with the digital world?

Use this lesson to help students:

  • Understand why “brain rot” happens and who is affected
  • Explore the role of negativity bias in shaping online behaviour
  • Create practical tools to build healthier digital habits

Skills and knowledge

  • Problem solving

    Step 5: Creating options
    I create different possible solutions to a problem
    Did you add different tips to your toolkit after watching the video?

    Step 7: Evaluating options
    I choose between possible solutions based on success criteria
    Did you create a toolkit to help avoid brain rot?

    Step 9: Exploring causation
    I analyse causes and effects
    Did you look at different ways a headline can be written to promote good or bad news?

  • Knowledge

    I know how doomscrolling can lead to brain rot and impact my mental health
    Did you write a definition for brain rot?

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