The Influence of Gender and Academic Level on Brain Rot in Adolescents

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the main and interaction effects of gender (boys and girls) and academic level (school and junior college) on brain rot among adolescents. A total of 172 students aged 13 to 18 years from various schools and junior colleges in Kolhapur city were selected through simple random sampling. The sample was evenly distributed across a 2×2 factorial design (gender × academic level), with 43 participants in each group. Brain rot was assessed using a self-developed Brain Rot Scale, which measured cognitive, emotional, and behavioural deterioration associated with maladaptive digital media use. The tool demonstrated acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s α > .70). A two-way ANOVA was used to analyse the data. The findings revealed a significant main effect of gender, with boys reporting higher brain rot scores than girls. No significant main effect of academic level was observed. However, a significant interaction effect between gender and academic level was found. Specifically, school boys exhibited the highest brain rot scores, while school girls showed the lowest, indicating that the influence of gender on brain rot is moderated by academic level. The results underscore the need for gender and age sensitive interventions to address brain rot in adolescent populations. School boys may benefit from targeted strategies that promote healthier digital habits and cognitive engagement.