Setting time limits for using ChatGPT is another critical strategy to avoid over-reliance. Spending hours interacting with an AI can lead to digital fatigue and a lack of real-world engagement. To stay productive and balanced, consider scheduling specific periods to utilize ChatGPT for studying, planning, or problem-solving, ensuring you also leave room for offline activities and human interaction (News.com.au, 2025).
Another key tip is to prioritize deep reflection and exploration. ChatGPT can be an excellent resource for diving into topics that spark your curiosity. Instead of asking for surface-level answers, try requesting more detailed explanations or alternative viewpoints. This practice not only enriches your understanding but also develops your critical thinking skills (The Atlantic, 2025).
Finally, always combine what you learn from ChatGPT with your independent judgment. Remember that AI, while powerful, is not infallible. Double-check the information it provides, cross-reference with credible sources, and refine the outputs to align with your goals. By maintaining an active, reflective approach, you can harness ChatGPT’s potential while preserving your ability to think creatively and critically (El PaÃs, 2025).
Conclusion
In a world where Brain Rot threatens the intellectual and emotional well-being of Gen Z, ChatGPT emerges as a potential ally. By leveraging its ability to foster deep learning, critical thinking, and productivity, this AI tool can help combat the negative effects of mindless content consumption. However, its success depends entirely on how wisely it is used. As highlighted in The Atlantic (2025), the key lies in balancing the use of technology with intentionality and reflection.
This calls for action: Generations today must adopt tools like ChatGPT not as replacements for thinking but as aids to enrich their intellectual pursuits. As El PaÃs (2025) points out, ChatGPT has already shown its transformative potential in mental health and education. By embracing it thoughtfully, users can empower themselves to grow as creative and critical thinkers.
Ultimately, the responsibility falls on each individual. How will you integrate tools like ChatGPT into your daily life? Will you use it to escape into convenience, or will you allow it to challenge your ideas, broaden your perspective, and strengthen your understanding? As Hayes (2025) suggests, the path forward requires a conscious effort to avoid distraction and pursue meaningful engagement with technology.
Let this reflection guide you: How can you leverage technology like ChatGPT not just for productivity, but also for building your intellectual and emotional growth? The answer to this question may determine whether we use technology to thrive—or succumb to the digital distractions it can bring.
References
Alodokter. (2024). Brain rot, lemah otak akibat kecanduan gadget. Retrieved from https://www.alodokter.com
Antara News. (2025). Brain rot, penurunan kualitas otak akibat kebiasaan scroll tanpa henti. Retrieved from https://www.antaranews.com
Berita Dosen. (2024). Ancaman brain rot di era digital: Generasi muda di persimpangan konsumsi konten. Retrieved from https://beritadosen.com
El PaÃs. (2025, January 15). ¿Puede una IA ser tu psicólogo?: "Perdimos al paciente, se lo ganó ChatGPT". Retrieved from https://elpais.com
