Digital Hygiene as a Preventive Strategy to Address the Brain Rot Phenomenon among Students in the Era of Digital Disruption
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47453/eduprof.v8i2.564Keywords:
Digital Hygiene, Brain Rot, Cognitive Decline, Digital Behavior, EducationAbstract
The rapid growth of algorithm-driven digital platforms such as TikTok and Instagram has significantly transformed students’ cognitive engagement patterns. This transformation has led to the emergence of the brain rot phenomenon, characterized by reduced attention span, weakened critical thinking skills, and diminished information retention. This study aims to explore digital hygiene as a preventive strategy to mitigate the cognitive impacts of excessive digital consumption among elementary school students. Employing a qualitative case study design, the research was conducted at an elementary school in Sumedang Regency, Indonesia, over approximately two to three months. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis involving students as the main participants and teachers as supporting informants. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, involving data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that structured digital hygiene practices—such as screen time management, notification control, and content curation—contribute to improved cognitive focus, reduced digital distraction, and better engagement with learning activities. The study contributes to the discourse on digital well-being by proposing an integrative framework linking digital hygiene with cognitive resilience in primary education.
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