Language changes together with society. In the last decade, English has adopted dozens of expressions related to technology, work culture, social media, mental health, and digital behavior. Many of these words became popular because they describe experiences that previous generations did not have.
Interestingly, several of these expressions have no exact translation in other languages. Instead, they represent entire social concepts condensed into a single word or phrase.
DIGITAL OVERLOAD & ONLINE BEHAVIOR
Doomscrolling
Doomscrolling is the habit of spending too much time online reading negative or disturbing news stories, especially on social media or news apps. The term became popular during the pandemic, when many people constantly checked their phones for updates about war, disease, inflation, or global crises. According to the BBC video, humans may be naturally attracted to bad news because, throughout evolution, paying attention to danger helped people survive. Today, however, the internet gives us unlimited bad news “on tap,” which can increase stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion.
Brain Rot
The feeling that excessive online content is damaging your attention span.
The feeling that excessive online content is damaging your attention span.
FOMO
Fear Of Missing Out — anxiety caused by thinking others are having better experiences.
Digital Detox
A period during which someone intentionally avoids technology and social media.
Phubbing
Ignoring someone because you are focused on your phone.
Discussion
Why are negative headlines addictive?
Could you disconnect from social media for one week?
Are short videos damaging our attention spans?
Has technology damaged face-to-face communication?
Which online habit is the most unhealthy today?
WORK CULTURE & BURNOUT
Burnout
Extreme emotional and physical exhaustion caused by stress.
Extreme emotional and physical exhaustion caused by stress.
Mobbing
Quiet Quitting
Doing only the minimum required at work.
Bare Minimum Monday
Reducing stress by focusing only on essential tasks on Mondays.
Rage Applying
Impulsively applying for jobs after frustration at work.
Micromanaging
Controlling every detail of employees’ work excessively.
Hustle Culture
The idea that constant productivity equals success.
The idea that constant productivity equals success.
Discuss
Is hustle culture becoming toxic?
Is quiet quitting laziness or healthy boundary-setting?
Why are so many young workers burned out?
What makes a good manager?
Are younger generations changing workplace culture positively or negatively?