What Are ‘Brain Rot’ Games, and Why Are Kids Obsessed?
October 29 2025
As a child psychologist and digital addiction specialist, I've spent over two decades tracking new trends in screen use. Lately, a term has exploded across schools, clinics and even dinner tables: Brain Rot games.
If you are a parent, teacher or health professional trying to figure out what this phrase means and why kids seem so hooked, you are not alone. So let’s break it down.
What Does “Brain Rot” Actually Mean?
“Brain Rot” is the nickname kids and teens use to describe a certain type of game they play endlessly. Ironically, they know it’s not good for them. The term doesn’t appear in medical journals, but when kids themselves start calling their games Brain Rot, we need to pay attention.
These games are not long immersive stories or creative building tools. Instead, they are fast, colourful, often chaotic games designed for short bursts of high dopamine play. Think basic graphics, repeatable mechanics and short rounds. They’re easy to pick up and almost impossible to put down.
Some examples might include:
Roblox obbys (obstacle games)
Subway Surfers
Stumble Guys
Melon Playground
Garten of Banban
You might see them as low quality or pointless, but that’s exactly why they appeal. Kids do not need tutorials. They don’t need a big time commitment. It’s just quick hits of stimulation.
Why Are Kids Drawn to Them?
From a brain perspective, these games are clever. They reward you fast and often. Kids love that feeling of mastery and rapid progression. They can squeeze in a few rounds between homework and dinner, or while sitting in the car.
From a social angle, these games are shareable. They become a part of in jokes and TikTok trends. They show up in meme culture. So even when they’re not playing, kids are watching or talking about them.
There is also safety in the simplicity. Unlike high stakes games that require a headset and intense focus, Brain Rot games are lightweight and disposable. Kids can jump in, mess around, laugh at something weird, and jump back out.
So… Should We Be Worried?
Not necessarily. Brain Rot games are not evil. But they are designed to keep kids coming back. If they become the dominant type of play a child seeks out, it can crowd out more meaningful real world activities.
As a parent, I recommend asking:
Is this game a sometimes snack or an all the time diet?
Does my child still engage in other creative or social play?
Is this game replacing sleep, homework or in person time with friends?
One Practical Step for Parents
One of the best things you can do is educate yourself. You don’t need to become a gamer, just curious. Pick one of the games mentioned above and type it into YouTube followed by the word gameplay. You’ll quickly see what it looks like, how it works and why kids get hooked. Understanding it on their level makes for far better conversations and fewer arguments.
Final Thought
The label "Brain Rot" is not medical. But it reveals something important: kids know when something isn’t good for their brain. They just can’t always stop themselves.
That’s where adults need to step in. Not to ban everything. But to guide, balance and stay curious about what is really going on behind the screen.
