It might well be as dangerous as the COVID-19 pandemic, except this one's a slow-burn type of endemic. The symptoms linger before worsening and, before we know it, we've spiraled down to the point of no return.
It's called brain rot, and kudos to Oxford University Press for putting the spotlight on what our online universe has become — and how we've become witting or unwitting participants — and for some, enablers — in this absurd reality of our age.
Brain rot is Oxford's 2024 Word of the Year. We can only let out a heavy sigh as we feel despair over how chronically online life has turned out.
It's alarming, to say the least.
The Philippines, touted as the social media capital of the world with internet users comprising 73.4 percent of the population, might well be Patient Zero. I dread to imagine the level of ignorance and stupidity that will descend upon this country a few years from now. As it is now, we already have a grave crisis in education.
Results of the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment, which covered 690,000 students from 81 countries, showed the Philippines' standing in three subjects — reading, math and science — "were about the same" as in 2018.
In 2018, the country scored the lowest in reading (340) and second lowest in math (353) and science (357). For 2022, the country scored 347 in reading, 355 in math and 356 in science. (PIDS, June 2024).
What is brain rot?
This story is from the December 05, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 05, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
David Pardo Ayala Moved to Manila with Knives, Cookbooks & a Heart Full of Love
While at the Culinary Institute of America in upstate New York over two decades ago, Colombian-born David Pardo Ayala met the love of his life, a Filipina named Gianella.
Lucky Dumpling opens at Hann Resorts
Ever been up to the Pampanga and Clark area and craved Chinese food? There is good news since Lucky Dumpling just opened at Hann Resorts in Clark and is a perfect place to have dim sum and Cantonese food for lunch or dinner, even if one is just passing by the area.
FROM LEGENDS TO CHART-TOPPERS: 2025 CONCERT LINEUP FOR EVERY MUSIC FAN
From Dionne Warwick to Boyz II Men, a bountiful lineup of nostalgia acts will be hitting the Philippine stage this year.
WHY STREAMING SERVICE MAX IS BETTING BIG ON FILIPINO VIEWERS
ONE OF THE BIGGEST HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LOCAL entertainment scene in the last quarter of 2024 was the entry of a new streaming service: Max. The platform, operated by Warner Bros. Discovery, brings together iconic brands such as HBO, Harry Potter, Cartoon Network and the DC Universe under one umbrella.
50th MMFF Extends Run Until Jan. 14 Due to 'Public Demand'
The 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is set to continue for an additional week due to \"insistent public demand.\"
Jollibee Takes Majority Control of Taiwan-Based Soup Brand
Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) is boosting its position in the Chinese cuisine segment with the acquisition of a majority stake in a leading wellness soup brand in Taiwan.
DA funds to cushion impact of imports get substantial hike
Filipino farmers affected by imports, especially coffee and poultry producers, are expected to get at least a billion peso worth of support this year after the Department of Agriculture (DA) received an exponential increase in its earmarked fund meant to enhance farmers’ competitiveness.
The reality on the ground can damage reputation
Are we like goslings or baby geese that follow a mother goose wherever it goes? It appears that way, at least in my case.
MGen unit bags 600-MW gas project in Singapore
PacificLight Power Pte. Ltd. (PLP), controlled by Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), has secured the right to build, own and operate a 600-megawatt gas plant in Singapore.
Market Stays Blemish-Free in 2025
The local stock market has kept its record blemish-free so far this year, extending its winning streak to three sessions ahead of the release of the country's December inflation data today.
