The phenomenon of bed rotting, the habit of spending long periods in bed scrolling through social media or watching videos, is becoming increasingly popular among teenagers and Gen Z.
This behavior is often viewed as a form of laziness. However, according to Dr Yulina Eva Riany, an expert in child and adolescent education at IPB University, this behavior has a more complex psychological dimension, particularly related to social pressure and the process of self discovery.
“This phenomenon cannot be viewed simplistically. Bed rotting is often immediately labeled as laziness. Yet, from a developmental psychology perspective, this behavior is far more complex,” she said.
Dr Yulina explained that adolescents are in the identity vs. role confusion phase, a stage of self discovery. In this context, the digital world serves as a new space for exploration.
“Bed rotting isn’t always a passive behavior. In some cases, it can function as both a ‘pause button’ and an ‘exploration space’ for adolescents,” she clarified.
However, she emphasized that this phenomenon has an ambivalent side. Excessive exposure to idealized lives on social media can trigger social comparison and anxiety. “Bed rotting can serve as a sort of psychological pause button, but it also has the potential to become a form of withdrawal from pressure,” she added.
Setting Boundaries to Avoid Getting Trapped
Dr Yulina explains that bed rotting exists in a gray area between self-care and maladaptive behavior. When done consciously to restore energy, this behavior can serve as a healthy self-regulation strategy. However, if it turns into an escape from stress, it falls under the category of avoidance coping.
“If an individual still has control, knows when to stop, and is able to resume activities, then this can be a form of self-care. However, when control begins to slip, the consequences can be serious,” she said.
She cautioned that under certain conditions, bed rotting can be an indication of mental health issues, such as burnout, excessive anxiety, or even depression. Symptoms to watch out for include loss of interest, sleep disturbances, withdrawing from social environments, and a decline in academic or work performance.
For this reason, Dr Yulina emphasized the importance of establishing healthy rest patterns. “Healthy rest isn’t just about doing nothing; it’s done mindfully, has time limits, and truly recharges your energy,” she explained.
She recommends setting time limits for rest, limiting device use in bed, and replacing passive rest with light activities such as a leisurely walk or stretching.
“Healthy self-care isn’t about how long we rest, but whether we maintain control over our choices,” she concluded. (Fj) (IAAS/HNY)
