Pope Francis has issued a stark warning against excessive online scrolling, which he refers to as “brain rot” or *putrefazione cerebrale*. The cardinal-designate, 88 years old, addressed thousands of writers and journalists at the Jubilee of the World of Communications in Rome. He emphasized that social media addiction is eroding higher human values by filling the mind with digital toxophoria.
The pontiff suggested that reducing this harm can be achieved through education, particularly media literacy and critical thinking for young people to resist the pull of constant refreshments on feeds.
Additionally, he noted that Lent begins shortly, adding a timely reminder about self-discipline in a world increasingly dominated by screens.
Source: https://www.thedailybeast.com/pope-francis-says-too-much-online-scrolling-causes-brain-rot