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Research on brain rot, attention, and signal

We summarize peer-reviewed studies and public health guidance so you can see what the evidence says about attention decay, information overload, and the habits that reverse it.

Attention

Anti Brain Rot: What the Research Actually Says

Brain rot is more than a meme. Research links heavy and problematic social media use with worse mental health and sleep, while information overload undermines clarity and action.

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Trace Research · 12 min read · Feb 5, 2026
Curation

Signal > Noise: Why Curation Beats Volume

A major literature review shows information overload research rising fast in social media and virtual collaboration contexts. The fix is intentional curation and feedback loops.

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Trace Research · 10 min read · Feb 5, 2026
AI

AI Fatigue and the Return of Context

AI summaries scale information fast, but WHO and research on overload show why context and source diversity are essential to avoid confusion and poor decisions.

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Trace Research · 10 min read · Feb 5, 2026
Wellness

Calm Tech for Builders

Meta-analyses link social media use with worse mental health and sleep. Calm tech reduces those risks by defaulting to focus, not friction.

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Trace Research · 10 min read · Feb 5, 2026