In this bonus episode, we hear from Brett McCracken, Senior Editor and Director of Communications for The Gospel Coalition, as he discusses the various forms of 'death' associated with excessive smartphone use and scrolling, including physical, emotional, and cognitive deaths. He introduces the concept of 'brain rot,' a term used to describe the deterioration of mental faculties due to overconsumption of trivial online content. McCracken emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the dangers of cognitive atrophy exacerbated by technology and AI. He also offers practical solutions for churches and communities to combat these issues, such as creating phone-free spaces and fostering a culture of reading. This talk was given at a TGCSD regional chapter event on August 20, 2025.

Takeaways

Scrolling habits lead to various forms of death.

Teen suicide rates correlate with smartphone use.

Brain rot reflects a decline in cognitive abilities.

Excessive screen time contributes to emotional distress.

Critical thinking skills are diminishing in the digital age.

Daydreaming is essential for mental health.

AI may worsen cognitive decline by outsourcing thinking.

Churches should address the issue of brain rot.

Creating phone-free spaces can help combat distractions.

Cultivating a reading culture can enhance critical thinking.

Sound Bites

"We're scrolling ourselves to death."

"Brain rot is a fascinating term."

"Normalize phone-free spaces in churches."