The Most “Brain-Rotted” States in America Revealed
Our new nationwide index suggests that "brain rot" (the mental deterioration linked to excessive consumption of low-value digital content) may be more widespread than we realize, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
Named Oxford's Word of the Year in 2024, the term reflects a growing concern: as screen time rises, so too does its impact on focus, cognitive health, and overall well-being. With younger audiences now spending up to five hours per day on social media [1], and interest in the topic reaching 153,000 monthly searches in the U.S. (forecast to grow by 66% over the next year), the question is no longer whether digital overstimulation is affecting us. It's how much, and where it's hitting hardest.
A 2025 research paper published by the National Library of Medicine describes "brain rot" as being "characterized by brain fog and decreased concentration," noting it is exacerbated by excessive screen time and overexposure to low-value online content, ultimately diminishing cognitive function [2].
To better understand this phenomenon, researchers at Juice Plus+ developed the Brainrot Index: a model designed to use proxy indicators to translate digital overload into something measurable. Rather than directly measuring cognitive states of individuals, the index uses proxy indicators to assess relative estimated exposure and potential impact at a state population level, comparing differences between states with a particular focus on teenage and young adult populations, of which was emphasized within the data analysis.
Instead of treating "brain rot" as a clinical diagnosis, the index frames it as a measurable construct based on established risk factors and observed outcomes associated with high-volume, low-stimulus digital media consumption, indicated by existing research.
The index evaluates a range of factors influencing both exposure and resilience, including:
• Teenage and young adult population concentration per state (13-18 and 19-34)
• Time spent on social media and gaming by teens and young adults
• Speed and accessibility of internet services and broadband at state level
• Search behaviour trends used to assess platform exposure, behaviours associated with "brainrot," and related symptoms across entire state populations
• Population risk around low-quality content
• Protective lifestyle habits, including outdoor activity, physical exercise, and reading ability
By combining these elements, the index highlights where digital overstimulation could be most prevalent and where healthier habits may offer protection.
Key Findings: A Widespread Challenge
The index is designed to compare estimated relative levels of digital overstimulation across states and does not constitute a clinical diagnosis or absolute measure of digital oversimulation.
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Over 60% of U.S. states fall into the high or very high “brain rot” category.
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Only 14% rank as low, suggesting that protective behaviours are limited nationwide
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Utah ranks highest, with a relative score of 100/100.
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Southern states dominate the top tier, including Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina (all scoring above 80).
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Midwestern and central states show consistently elevated levels.
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Mountain West and northern rural states demonstrate comparatively lower exposure.
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Brain rot is primarily driven by high-exposure digital environments, not single behaviours. Brain rot is driven less by how long people spend online, and more by how deeply they are embedded in high-exposure, platform-driven digital environments, particularly those dominated by fast, viral content.
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Where brain rot is higher, we already observe behavioural consequences emerging.
Given the weighting structure, overall rankings are more strongly influenced by exposure-related indicators, with protective factors partially offsetting, but not fully counterbalancing, high exposure levels.
| Score Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 80-100 | Very high relative brainrot intensity |
| 60–79 | High relative brainrot intensity |
| 40–59 | Moderate / near national average |
| 20–39 | Lower relative brainrot intensity |
| 0-19 | Very low relative brainrot intensity |
| State | Brainrot Index |
|---|---|
| Utah | 100 |
| Louisiana | 98 |
| Texas | 97.69 |
| California | 94.97 |
| Maryland | 91.54 |
| Oklahoma | 90.55 |
| Georgia | 86.97 |
| Kentucky | 81.29 |
| Mississippi | 81.17 |
| Kansas | 80.57 |
| Alabama | 80.45 |
| Indiana | 78.96 |
| Virginia | 78.67 |
| North Carolina | 76.73 |
| Washington | 72.72 |
| Michigan | 71.41 |
| Arkansas | 71.04 |
| New Jersey | 70.65 |
| Arizona | 69.9 |
| Pennsylvania | 69.88 |
| Nevada | 67.75 |
| Florida | 67.72 |
| New York | 65.98 |
| South Carolina | 65.27 |
| Massachusetts | 64.68 |
| New Mexico | 64.61 |
| Oregon | 64.36 |
| Delaware | 62.88 |
| Illinois | 62.46 |
| Tennessee | 62.07 |
| Missouri | 60.85 |
| Ohio | 59 |
| Connecticut | 58.35 |
| Rhode Island | 56.96 |
| Minnesota | 56.06 |
| Idaho | 52.23 |
| Wisconsin | 52.14 |
| Nebraska | 51.96 |
| West Virginia | 51.25 |
| Iowa | 50.23 |
| Colorado | 36.5 |
| South Dakota | 29.24 |
| Alaska | 25 |
| Hawaii | 23.57 |
| Wyoming | 19.7 |
| New Hampshire | 16.91 |
| North Dakota | 16.91 |
| Maine | 12.36 |
| District of Columbia | 11.76 |
| Vermont | 7.36 |
| Montana | 0 |
Constructing the Index
The index is built by reverse-engineering the concept of “brain rot” using sources that represent a mix of peer-reviewed research, large-scale surveys, and medical or psychological commentary, which collectively identify:
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Primary exposure drivers
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High-risk populations
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Observable cognitive and emotional effects
The following sources were used: National Library of Medicine, WebMD, HealthLine, VeryWell Mind, Gallup, PewResearch, American Psychological Association, Newport Institute*.
Components in the index were selected either because existing research identifies them as contributing factors or consequences of excessive digital media consumption, or because they serve as logical proxies for exposure and behaviour. For example, measures such as internet speed and broadband connectivity are included as indicators of potential screen time exposure, while search interest in brain rot–related terms is used to capture levels of awareness or intent.
Supporting Brain Health
There is no proven treatment for “brain rot” or digital-overload-related cognitive decline. However, consistent habits, like spending more time outdoors, physical exercise, and prioritising mindful activities [3], alongside supporting overall nutritional wellbeing, can help counterbalance the effects of digital overload.
According to Dr Suk Cho, a highly accomplished leader in scientific research and product development at Juice Plus+, with more than 35 years of experience across the nutritional and consumer packaged goods industries, “Nutrition plays an important role in supporting cognitive function - things like focus, memory, and mental clarity. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and polyphenol antioxidants help support normal brain function, and eating balanced meals can help keep energy levels steady throughout the day. When your energy is steady, it’s easier to stay focused and productive.
Taking a consistent, food-first approach—focusing on balanced, nutrient-rich meals—is one of the most practical and effective ways to support overall cognitive performance over time.”
*This professional is a Juice Plus+ employee. Credentials are for identification only and do not constitute a medical endorsement. Content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace guidance from a healthcare professional. Results may vary. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Methodology
The Brainrot Index ranks U.S. states by relative levels of digital “brain rot” intensity using a composite model built from multiple independent datasets. Indicators were grouped into four pillars: Exposure (40%), Content Risk (20%), Consequence Signals (25%), and Protective Factors (-15%).
Because “brain rot” is not a clinical diagnosis, the index uses proxy indicators — measurable signals that reflect patterns of digital exposure, behaviour, and potential cognitive impact.
As the underlying data sources use different units and scales, all variables were standardized across states using z-scores. For Google Trends–based measures, each query was standardized individually, averaged into a composite score, and then standardized again to ensure comparability across pillars. Final pillar scores were combined using the predefined weighting structure and rescaled to a 0–100 index for ease of comparison.
Scores represent relative differences between states rather than absolute levels, meaning higher scores indicate greater exposure to brain rot–associated factors within the model. The index does not measure individual cognitive outcomes or establish causation; instead, it highlights patterns and associations at the state level.
| Pillar | State Indicators |
|---|---|
| Exposure | Teenage and young adult population concentration, social media usage estimates, gaming engagement, internet speed, broadband access |
| Behavioral Signals | Search behavior indicating addictive digital consumption, including queries related to social media or phone addiction |
| Content Risk | Search behavior indicating engagement with low-effort or viral digital content such as memes, short-form videos, and “brainrot” content |
| Consequence Signals | Search behavior related to symptoms associated with digital overload, including brain fog, short attention span, anxiety, depression, and memory issues |
| Protective Factors | Search behavior related to outdoor activity such as yoga, nature walks and running. Outdoor recreation GDP share, access to land per capita, physical activity in teens, teen reading performance, young adult education levels, sunshine hours |
Indicators were selected based on existing medical commentary and research from sources such as Health Line, WebMD, and Very Well Mind on brainrot describing the drivers, symptoms, and preventative behaviors associated. However, some of the protective factors—such as levels of sunshine and education by state—were not derived from established literature explicitly linking them to brain rot prevention. Instead, these variables were incorporated as proxy measures to introduce an additional exploratory layer to the analysis. The rationale is that greater sunshine exposure may correlate with increased time spent outdoors and reduced screen use for example. These assumptions are not presented as evidence-based conclusions but rather as directional indicators intended to enrich the model and highlight potential areas for further investigation.
Because teenagers (ages 13–18) and young adults (ages 19–34) are among the most intensive users of digital media [4], datasets were prioritized where possible for these demographics, though we were not able to isolate such populations for all data points.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. The index is designed to compare estimated relative levels of digital overstimulation across states and does not constitute a clinical diagnosis or absolute measure of digital oversimulation.
Sources: American Psychological Association, National Library of Medicine, CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Federal Communications Commission, Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), The Nations Report Card (NAEP), Pew Research Center, Gallup, WebMD, Healthline, Verywell Mind, Statista, Google Trends, World Population Review, Test My Internet Speed, Oxford University Press, Newport Institute, Icon Era
References
1.https://news.gallup.com/poll/512576/teens-spend-average-hours-social-media-per-day.aspx
2.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11939997/
3.https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-brainrot#How-to-recover-from-brainrot
4.https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/teens-and-internet-device-access-fact-sheet/
*
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6502424/
https://news.gallup.com/poll/512576/teens-spend-average-hours-social-media-per-day.aspx
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/11/20/americans-social-media-use-2025/
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/04/teen-social-use-mental-health
https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/co-occurring-disorders/brain-rot/
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-brainrot#health-effects
https://www.verywellmind.com/brainrot-8677487
https://www.webmd.com/brain/brain-rot
