What's the mental impact on and cost to your employer for your bingeing on trivial, online, short videos that consume your time and attention? This activity is called brain rot. Brain rot hooks you into a constant loop of low-value, fast-paced content that captures attention while quietly consuming time that could be used better. Over time, brain increases mental fatigue, making sustained thinking harder and reducing productivity. One study found 40 to 45 minutes of non-work social media drained 40 to 45 minutes of non-work social media drained roughly 9% to 10% of daily productivity. For employers, the cost includes slower task completion, more errors, and reduced creativity. To break the habit, 

1. replace short-form viewing with a walk, stretching, or an activity that restores attention; 
2. notice how refreshed and focused you feel afterward;
3. use website blockers requiring a password to access distracting sites; and 
4. set firm limits on short-form content -- or save it for after work to protect energy during the day.