Exploring the Words of the Year 2024 | Brain Rot and Manifest: Sunday Reading Task

This blog is part of the Sunday reading task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the professor's blog for background reading: Click here 

Words of the Year 2024: "Brain Rot" and "Manifest" – A Reflection on Modern Life

Language is a mirror to society, reflecting its joys, struggles, and shifting priorities. Each year, the selection of Words of the Year by renowned dictionaries offers insight into the zeitgeist. For 2024, the Oxford Word of the Year is "Brain Rot," while Cambridge has chosen "Manifest." These choices encapsulate two contrasting yet interconnected facets of contemporary life: the pitfalls of the digital age and the enduring human desire for purpose and achievement.

Introducing the Words of the Year:

Oxford Word of the Year: "Brain Rot"

"Brain Rot" encapsulates the darker side of our hyperconnected world. As the digital age continues to dominate, the constant bombardment of information—memes, sensational news, endless scrolling—leaves many feeling mentally fatigued and emotionally drained. Studies have linked excessive screen time with increased anxiety, depression, and a decline in critical thinking skills. The phrase resonates particularly with younger generations, who often find themselves caught in a cycle of passive consumption.



Beyond individual experiences, "Brain Rot" highlights broader societal concerns. It mirrors the decline in attention spans, the erosion of meaningful discourse, and the growing influence of echo chambers. The term serves as both a critique and a warning, urging us to reassess our digital habits before the "rot" sets in irreversibly.

Cambridge Word of the Year: "Manifest"

In stark contrast, "Manifest" offers a beacon of hope. As the world grapples with economic uncertainty, climate crises, and social unrest, the act of manifesting has emerged as a popular coping mechanism. Drawing from concepts like the law of attraction, "Manifest" encourages individuals to focus on positive thoughts and intentional actions to create the life they desire.



This word’s rise reflects a collective shift toward introspection and empowerment. While skeptics may dismiss manifesting as wishful thinking, proponents argue that it fosters resilience and clarity. It’s a reminder that, even amid chaos, we can shape our own narratives. The popularity of "Manifest" also speaks to the blending of spirituality and practicality in modern self-help culture, as individuals seek balance in an often overwhelming world.

Cultural and Societal Significance:

The Age of "Brain Rot"

The term "brain rot" is particularly relevant in today’s hyperconnected world. Studies have shown that excessive screen time can harm attention spans, creativity, and even emotional well-being. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram often prioritize content designed for maximum engagement rather than quality, leading to a constant influx of short-lived, sensational, and often shallow material.

Examples of Brain Rot Behavior

Brain rot behavior comes in various forms, including:

Video gaming: While it’s possible to game without getting addicted, some gamers play compulsively and develop gaming disorder. They become so entranced by video games’ alternate worlds, fanciful characters, and complicated plots that they can have difficulty functioning in other areas of life.

Zombie scrolling: This bran rot behavior refers to mindless habitual scrolling with no destination in mind or benefit derived. When zombie scrolling, you vacantly stare at your smart phone as you flit from one feed to another.

Doomscrolling: Doomscrolling involves searching for distressing information and negative news. Doomscrolls feel an overwhelming desire to be up to date on the latest information, even when it’s disturbing.

Social media addiction: Social media addiction is characterized by a persistent urge to check social media and a feeling of restlessness when you try to break the habit. Users can’t stop checking platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Constant notifications, bright colors, and stimulating sounds can literally mesmerize them, causing them to stop thinking clearly

The Allure of "Manifest":

On the flip side, "manifest" taps into a deeply human need to find meaning and control in a chaotic world. With economic uncertainties, climate crises, and personal anxieties on the rise, many people turn to the power of positive thinking as a form of solace. Social media is filled with posts about vision boards and affirmations, often accompanied by success stories that feel too good to be true.

However, critics argue that manifesting can lead to toxic positivity, where individuals blame themselves for failing to achieve their goals despite external obstacles. For instance, aspiring entrepreneurs might feel disheartened when manifesting success doesn’t replace hard work and strategic planning.

 Real-Life Connections:

As a millennial navigating the digital landscape, I find both "brain rot" and "manifest" relatable. There are days when I catch myself endlessly scrolling, losing precious hours to memes and mindless content. While it provides a temporary escape, the long-term impact often leaves me feeling drained and disconnected.

On the other hand, I’ve tried manifesting, inspired by countless online testimonials. Creating a vision board last year was empowering, but I quickly realized that without actionable steps, those goals remained dreams. For instance, my goal to write a book only gained momentum once I combined visualization with consistent writing and planning.

A poignant example of these trends in action is the recent phenomenon of "digital detox retreats." These retreats are a response to "brain rot," offering participants a chance to disconnect from screens and reconnect with themselves. Similarly, workshops on manifesting are becoming popular at wellness events, blending visualization techniques with practical advice.

Language as a Reflection of Society

The selection of "brain rot" and "manifest" highlights how language evolves to capture the complexities of modern life. "Brain rot" serves as a wake-up call to reevaluate our relationship with technology, while "manifest" underscores the enduring human hope for self-improvement and fulfillment.

Both terms invite us to think critically about the choices we make daily. Are we passively consuming or actively creating? Are we chasing dreams without plans, or are we grounding our aspirations in reality?

Conclusion

The Words of the Year 2024 remind us that language is not just a tool for communication but also a lens through which we view our world. By exploring "brain rot" and "manifest," we gain deeper insight into the challenges and aspirations that define our era.

As we move forward, let us use this awareness to strike a balance engaging with technology mindfully and pursuing our goals with purpose and action.

Thank You!!

Research and Writing | ThAct

Hello, this thinking activity is based on the first unit of Research Methodology, titled 'Research and Writing.' This activity has been assigned by our mentor, Prakruti Ma'am.

1) In your opinion, should research always strive to achieve something new and creative or is it ok to pursue an existing direction and arrive at newer understanding of the same? In which one of these two categories would you classify the topic that you have chosen for your dissertation?

Research doesn’t always have to create something completely new. Sometimes, taking an existing idea and looking at it from a fresh angle can be just as important. By studying something already known, we can uncover new insights, see things in a different light, and add depth to what’s already there. After all, every discovery builds on what came before it.

My dissertation topic, "Animal Narratives in Indian Myths and Contemporary Literature," fits into this approach. Animals have always been an important part of Indian myths, often carrying deep meanings or teaching us lessons. But by comparing these old stories with how animals are shown in modern literature, I want to explore how these ideas have changed over time and what they say about our relationship with animals today.

This kind of research doesn’t need to invent something brand new—it’s about making connections between the old and the new. By doing this, I hope to bring out fresh ideas and show how these narratives are still relevant in our world. It’s not about changing the direction of research entirely, but about looking deeper into it and finding new layers of meaning.

Ask a chatbot of your choice to paraphrase the following passage. Check the paraphrase it gives you by answering the questions attached below the paragraph:

"There is little to be gained from seeking to isolate any artistic form or movement from its antecedents and counterparts. Myopia is the product of critical segregation, wherein readers disengage practices from those contexts that have forged their contours. This might seem obvious, but there is value in rearticulating the axiomatic in times of transformation--when something "new" emerges, many of us fall into the trap of isolating our darlings, whether old or young, from all those other contexts that play a significant role in their construction. How does one look at electronic literature without considering the literary, the ludic, that which we can see, touch, and hear---how does one look critically at anything without such frames of reference, and how do we overcome natural limitations in capacity when attempting to do so? The best we can do is look to those who have gone before, build upon their foundation, and indeed, emphasize those aspects of an exploration we deem worthy of greater emphasis." (Sullivan)

Paraphrased Passage:

It is unwise to view any artistic style or movement in isolation from its origins or connections. Separating artistic practices from their broader contexts leads to a narrow perspective. While this might seem evident, restating such principles becomes crucial during periods of change especially when something "new" emerges. During such times, many of us tend to focus exclusively on certain works or movements, ignoring the broader influences that shape them. For example, examining electronic literature requires acknowledging its connections to literature, games, and sensory experiences like visuals and sounds. A critical perspective on any subject must incorporate these broader contexts, even if our ability to do so is limited. Ultimately, the most effective approach is to learn from past efforts, build on established foundations, and highlight the aspects we consider most important in our analyses.

1. Is the paraphrase approximately the same length as the original passage?

 
Yes, the paraphrase is roughly the same length as the original. While some phrases are simplified, the overall content and detail are retained, leading to a comparable word count.


2. Has any part of the passage been copied word for word?

 
No, the paraphrase does not copy any part of the passage word for word. All ideas are rephrased with different sentence structures and vocabulary.


3. Does the paraphrase have the same meaning as the passage?

 
Yes, the paraphrase conveys the same meaning as the original. It retains the central ideas about the importance of contextualizing artistic movements, avoiding critical isolation, and building on established foundations, even though it uses simpler language in some instances.

What is the full form of CIS? Discuss some of the types of searches which can be employed to search for sources in a library equipped with CIS.


CIS stands for Computerized Information System. It refers to the use of computer systems to organize, store, and retrieve information efficiently. In a library context, CIS often encompasses digital catalog systems, databases, and other tools that facilitate easy access to library resources.

Types of Searches in a Library with CIS

Keyword Search

• Users input specific words or phrases related to their topic of interest.
• This type of search scans titles, abstracts, and metadata for matches.
• Example: Searching "Poststructuralism in literature" retrieves materials tagged with these terms.

Author Search

• Focuses on works by a particular author.
• Example: Searching for "Salman Rushdie" lists all his works available in the library system.

Title Search

• Locates items by their exact title or partial title.
• Example: Inputting "Midnight's Children" will direct users to the book by Salman Rushdie.

Subject Search

• Allows users to explore materials categorized under a specific subject or topic.
• Example: Selecting "Deconstruction" as a subject reveals related books, articles, and essays.

Advanced Search

• Combines multiple criteria such as keywords, authors, publication dates, or formats.
• Example: Searching for articles on "Digital Humanities" published after 2020 by a specific author.

Boolean Search

• Employs operators like AND, OR, NOT, and parentheses to refine searches.
• Example: "Poststructuralism AND Derrida" will yield results that mention both terms.

Full-Text Search

• Searches the complete text of digital materials available in the CIS.
• Example: Locating passages discussing "cultural studies" within e-books or research papers.

Browse Search

• Offers a list-based navigation through predefined categories such as author names, titles, or subjects.
• Example: Browsing through the "Literary Theories" section to explore all related materials.

Call Number Search

• Locates items based on their library classification code.
• Example: Searching for "PN 98" in the system could retrieve works on literary criticism.

Citation Search

• Users search for resources that cite a particular work or author.
• Example: Finding articles that reference "Beginning Theory" by Peter Barry.

Benefits of Using CIS for Searches:

Efficiency: Quick and precise retrieval of information.

Customizability: Searches can be tailored using filters and criteria.

Accessibility: Enables remote access to resources, such as e-books and journals.

Integration: Connects users to inter-library loans or external databases for extended resources.

Thank You!!

Plagiarism and Academic Integrity | ThAct

Hello, this thinking activity is part of the third unit of the Research Methodology paper, titled "Plagiarism and Academic Integrity." It has been assigned by our teacher, Prakruti Ma'am.

Explain the term Plagiarism and discuss its forms.

Plagiarism is derived from the Latin word “Plagiarius” meaning “kidnapper”. Plagiarism means stealing or copying another’s work and representing it as own work. On Internet, everything is available for free. We can share, upload, download, view, or search any text, audio, and video. Everything is there for free. The availability of anything and everything on the internet has made our lives easier but people make misuse of this advantage of the internet by representing other’s work as their own for fame, for academic benefits, for money, for personal interests, etc.

Plagiarism is most commonly practiced in academics and researches. On the internet, we have all kinds of literary articles, educational content, research papers, etc available for free. This facilitates everyone and assists them in gaining knowledge and becoming literate. Earlier when there were no Internet people either had to visit libraries when they wanted to study or know anything or had to purchase expensive books. But now we just type the topic in our browser and we get thousands of search results.

Many people think of plagiarism as copying another's work or borrowing someone else's original ideas. But terms like "copying" and "borrowing" can disguise the seriousness of the offense:

According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, to "plagiarize" means:

• to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own
• to use (another's production) without crediting the source
• to commit literary theft
• to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source

In other words, plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else's work and lying about it afterward.

But can words and ideas really be stolen?

According to U.S. law, the answer is yes. The expression of original ideas is considered intellectual property and is protected by copyright laws, just like original inventions. Almost all forms of expression fall under copyright protection as long as they are recorded in some way (such as a book or a computer file).

All of the following are considered plagiarism:

• turning in someone else's work as your own
• copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit
• failing to put a quotation in quotation marks
• giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation
• changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit
• copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of your work, whether you give credit or not

Most cases of plagiarism can be avoided, however, by citing sources. Simply acknowledging that certain material has been borrowed and providing your audience with the information necessary to find that source is usually enough to prevent plagiarism.

Forms of Plagiarism

1. Direct Plagiarism: This is the most blatant form, where one copies someone else’s work verbatim without any form of attribution or quotation marks.
2. Self-Plagiarism: This occurs when an individual reuses their own previously published work without proper citation.
3. Mosaic Plagiarism: Also known as patchwriting, this involves taking phrases or sentences from a source and combining them with their own work, without proper citation.
4. Paraphrasing Plagiarism: This happens when someone rewords or rephrases someone else’s ideas but fails to cite the original source.
5. Accidental Plagiarism: Sometimes plagiarism occurs due to negligence or lack of understanding. Students may forget to cite a source or might not understand the importance of paraphrasing correctly.

The Importance of Academic Integrity:

What is Academic Integrity?

Academic integrity refers to the ethical standards and honesty in scholarly work. It involves maintaining honesty in research, assignments, and examinations, and giving proper credit to others' work.

Why is Academic Integrity Necessary?

• Trust and Credibility: Academic integrity fosters trust and credibility within the academic community. It ensures that the work produced is genuine and reliable.

• Fairness: It promotes fairness by ensuring that all students and researchers are evaluated based on their own work and merit.

• Intellectual Growth: Upholding academic integrity encourages intellectual growth and the development of original ideas.

• Reputation: Institutions and individuals who maintain academic integrity build a strong reputation for honesty and ethical behavior.

in my opinion., Academic integrity is really important because it helps keep things fair for everyone. Imagine if you worked really hard on a project or exam, only to find out someone else cheated and got the same grade. That wouldn't feel fair, right? It would make you question whether hard work even matters. So, when students do their own work honestly, it ensures that everyone is being judged fairly based on their own abilities, and no one gets an unfair advantage.

Trust is another big part of academic integrity. If teachers and students can’t trust that the work being presented is honest, then the whole purpose of learning and grading is lost. It would be like playing a game without clear rules or knowing that some players are cheating it ruins the experience for everyone. When there’s trust, everyone knows that they’re being treated fairly, and the value of what they’re learning becomes real.

On a personal level, academic integrity helps you grow. Sure, it might feel easier to copy someone else's work or to cheat on a test, but in the end, you’re only robbing yourself of the chance to learn. When you do your own work, even if it’s difficult, you actually understand the subject more deeply and build skills that are useful later in life. The things you learn while staying true to yourself can help you succeed in ways that just getting a good grade won’t.

Then, there’s the whole idea of ethics being honest and respecting other people’s ideas. When you plagiarize or cheat, you’re not just hurting yourself; you’re disrespecting others who put in the time and effort to create something original. If we all act with integrity, it encourages a culture of respect and mutual support, which is what any good community is built on.

In the long run, cheating might seem like an easy fix, but it often leads to problems later on. Getting caught for dishonesty can lead to a failed class, disciplinary actions, or even expulsion. And that can have lasting consequences on your academic and professional future. So, staying honest really saves you from unnecessary trouble.

Finally, practicing academic integrity prepares you for the real world. In any job or career, being honest and ethical is crucial. People need to trust you, and if you’ve learned how to act with integrity in school, that attitude will carry over into your career and personal life. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about becoming someone people can rely on, someone who earns success through hard work and honesty.

In the end, 

academic integrity isn't just about grades it’s about learning, growing, and building a future based on trust, respect, and hard work.

Thank You!!