Educational Awareness On Dangers Of Brain-Rot And AI Slop Through Workshops, Along With Specialized Teacher Training To

Effectively Address Digital Wellness In Classrooms.

 

The purpose of the bill is to establish a form of initiative in education within public middle and high schools and also

to raise awareness of the negative emotional, cognitive, and social effects of excessive exposure to “Brain-Rot”

content. Short form overstimulating content, driven through algorithm addiction; along with low-quality artificial

intelligence(AI-Slop) content. With the help of this bill, a comprehensive program which will be included in existing

technology and health curricula will be established to teach students how to create digital algorithms that are meant to

draw and hold users' attention, how to spot false information produced by artificial intelligence, and how to develop

healthier online habits. This act's implementations will include workshops, assemblies, and "Digital Awareness Week"

activities, which will be held in schools to get students talking about critical thinking, online responsibility, and

the psychological effects of repeated overstimulation. Teachers and counselors will be trained to help students enjoy

and consume media in a balanced way and to spot the early warning signs of digital fatigue or overuse. In order to raise

awareness outside of the classroom, the program will also hand out educational materials, such as posters, short films,

and parent guides either through the mail or in school conferences.

 

In today's digital age, the youth are consuming more digital media and content than ever before. According to a 2024 Pew

Research Center study, over 95% report using social media daily; the average teen spending more than 4.8 hours a day on

popular platforms like TikTok, YouTube shorts, and Instagram Reels. Although technology is a powerful and helpful tool,

the rise of “Brain-Rot”; a slang term for excessive consumption of fast paced, low engagement media, and all of this has

been linked to reduced attention spans, emotional fatigue, and a declining educational performance.

Furthermore, with the recent explosion of AI-Generated content(AI-Slop), Students are being exposed to misinformation,

low-effort media, and algorithms designed purely for engagement. The constant stimulation from this content will rewire

the Brains Reward System or better known as dopamine. This makes it difficult for young people to focus, process complex

information, or engage in real world tasks.

Neuroscientists at Stanford University and University of Michigan have both found out that over consumption of media

correlates with increased anxiety, depression, and cognitive fatigue. Additionally, AI-generated misinformation has been

proven to spread 10 times faster on social platforms than verified information (MIT Media Lab, 2024)

Through encouraging critical thinking, self-control, and digital wellness, this act will help ensure that students not

only understand the dangers of brain-rot and AI slop but also develop the tools to navigate the modern digital world in

a thoughtful and sustainable way to protect our generation and the generations to come.

Without structured education, the next generation risks becoming passive consumers of low-quality, manipulative content;

a direct threat to democracy, mental health, and intellectual independence.

The Bill will ensure students will have the skills to recognize digital manipulation, fact-check information, and

balance digital use by the end of their schools course. By implementing these policies and mandatory classes, schools

will benefit from higher test scores, higher GPA per year, and a more positive reputation for schools. This will help

schools succeed better at meeting educational standards and maintain a more productive and positive atmosphere.

Teachers will also benefit from the flexibility of the program, schools can integrate the class unit into Social Studies

or Health classes. This gives educators freedom to choose how in depth they want to go into these materials, the course

can expand to being multiple days long or stay at a minimum of three one-hour class periods. This allows schools to fit

the program into their schedule, resources used, and student needs.

 

“Brain-Rot” - Slang term for the perceived mental deterioration that occurs from over consuming low quality content.

“AI Slop” - Term for low-quality, unoriginal, or fake content created by artificial intelligence that prioritizes volume

and profit over quality

“Brain Reward System” - Complex network within the brain that plays a major role in motivation, pleasure, addiction, and

dopamine.

“Digital Awareness Week” - A period within a month that highlights a new issue within the digital space that can affect

a student negatively and also a plan or techniques to grow and refine digital skills

“Digital Citizenship” - The responsibility of ethical use of technology by individuals to engage with other users,

communicate respectfully, and protect privacy and personal data

 

 

The Funding will come from the Department of Education and Workforce law for providing award grants to eligible schools

that will support the matters within the said bill (Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy Act, H.R. 9584, 118th cong.

[2023-2024]). Additionally, partnerships may be formed with non-profit organizations and mental health advocacy groups

focused on proper digital media use. Estimated cost per district; $10,000 annually, covering staff training, educational

materials, and guest speaker programs.

 

School districts that fail to implement the educational awareness program within one academic year after the passage of

this act will receive a 5% reduction in digital resource funding coming from the Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy

Act, H.R. 9584, 118th congress bill that supports funding for that year. Compliance will be monitored through annual

reviews by the Department of Education. Schools will submit digital wellness reports summarizing their implementation

progress and student involvement outcomes.

 

January 1st, 2027

Course Implemented following the 2026-2027 school year. Schools will have a one year grace period to prepare the course

and to receive their funding.