Bloggers have taken to “bedrot” in droves and turned “rotting” in bed into a tool for self-regulation

The Zoomers have all gotten hooked on "bedrotting" — Lazing around in bed with your phone, when you can stay in bed for hours and do absolutely nothing. The trend, which originated on TikTok and spread across social media, became a true phenomenon from 2023 to 2025. But what’s behind this meme? Let’s take a closer look, drawing on the insights of psychologists, doctors, and the “zoomers” themselves.

“Bedrotting” ("bedrotting", bed rotting) — literally “rotting in bed.” It’s not laziness or procrastination, but a conscious act of passive recovery, where a person lies in bed for hours with their phone, watching videos, eating snacks, and ignoring the world outside the covers.

Where did "bedrotting" come from?

The term “bed rotting” first gained popularity on TikTok in 2023, where videos tagged with #bedrotting racked up billions of views. “Zoomers”—the generation born in the late 1990s and early 2000s— — describe it as a “lazy day in bed” where you can endlessly scroll through your feed, watch TV shows, or just stare at the ceiling. Unlike a traditional “day off,” bedrotting involves completely ignoring productivity: no cleaning, no workouts, and not even leaving the room.

According to social media analysts, the trend intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many young people found themselves confined to their homes. But in 2024–2025, it evolved: inflation, climate crises, and labor market instability added to the stress, making “bedrot” a means of survival. As clinical psychologist Denis Khalyukov notes, “bedrotting isn’t a whim, but an adaptive response of the nervous system to overload.” Zumers, who grew up in a world where “hustle culture” (constant productivity) is imposed from childhood, find in it a respite from internal pressure.

The Psychology Behind “Rotting”: Stress Relief or a Trap?

Doctors and psychologists agree: “bedrot” is not the same as procrastination. The latter involves putting things off due to fear or indecision, whereas “bedrot” is a conscious choice to do nothing in order to recover. Psychologist Natalia Krochta explains: “It’s a form of passive self-regulation. The brain silences anxiety by distracting itself with pleasant stimuli—videos, memes, food. This reduces internal pressure, allowing a person to regain their strength.”

Studies confirm the benefits of short breaks. According to the American Psychological Association, passive rest helps lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and prevent burnout. For Zoomers facing a “quarter-life crisis,” bedroting has become a tool for emotional well-being. “In a world where everything is speeding up, sometimes you just need to stop,” says a 22-year-old TikToker from Moscow in one of her viral videos.

However, experts warn of the risks. If this “slump” drags on for days or weeks, it can lead to social isolation, sleep disturbances, or even depression. The physical consequences are also serious: a sedentary lifestyle leads to back pain, weight gain, and muscle weakness. “Bedroting is beneficial in moderation, like meditation, but in excess it masks deeper problems,” emphasizes a therapist from a clinic in St. Petersburg.

Gen Z vs. Older Generations: A Cultural Divide

To millennials and boomers, “bedrotting” often seems like a sign of laziness. “Back in our day, we couldn’t afford to just ‘rot away’—we had to work,” parents comment on social media. But Gen Zers counter that their reality is different. With the rise of remote work and the digital economy, the lines between leisure and work are blurring, and social media is amplifying FOMO (fear of missing out). Bedrotting is a rebellion against a system where productivity is measured by likes and KPIs.

Interestingly, the trend has evolved. By 2025, variations had emerged: “productive bed rotting” (spending time in bed reading books) or “social bed rotting” (spending time with friends via video calls). This shows how Zoomers are adapting the meme to their own needs, turning it into a cultural phenomenon.

How can we incorporate bedroting into our lives without causing harm?

To get the most out of it, psychologists recommend setting boundaries:

• Limit your screen time: No more than 4–6 hours a day, so as not to disrupt your circadian rhythms.
• Add some movement: Go for short walks or do some stretching.
• Monitor your emotions: If “wallowing” doesn’t bring you relief, see a professional.
• Combine it with active recreation: Alternate it with your hobbies to avoid feeling isolated.

Ultimately, bedroting is a reflection of our times: in a world of information overload and stress, sometimes you just need to “switch off.” But like any trend, it requires balance. Zoomers are teaching us that rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Have you ever tried “lazing around” in bed? Maybe that’s exactly what your routine has been missing.