Brain rot

Brain rot (or brainrot) is a slang term used to describe internet content of low quality or value, or negative effects (psychological, cognitive, etc.) caused by it.[1] As a psychological descriptor, it implies the spending of excessive amounts of time spent online, with possible deterioration in cognitive functioning and attention span.[2] The term has been used online as early as 2004, but rose in popularity in 2023, having become an internet meme.[3]

The term brainrot is often used to describe Generation Alpha's internet culture by those who see the generation as being extremely online.[4] This includes slang associated with the generation, examples being "skibidi" (referring to Skibidi Toilet), "rizz" (short for charisma), "gyat" (referring to butts), and "fanum tax" (act of stealing food).[5] Australian politician Fatima Payman incorporated Gen Alpha slang into her speech, which was written by younger staff member Ezra Isma, leading it to be called "brainrot".[6]

  1. ^ Roy, Jessica (2024-06-13). "If You Know What 'Brainrot' Means, You Might Already Have It". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  2. ^ "Brain Rot: The Impact on Young Adult Mental Health". Newport Institute. 2024-01-10. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  3. ^ "What is 'brain rot'? Do you have it?". SBS News. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  4. ^ North, Anna (2024-09-05). "iPad kids speak up". Vox. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
  5. ^ "Parents and Gen Alpha kids are having unintelligible convos because of 'brainrot' language". NBC News. 2024-08-10. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
  6. ^ Weedston, Lindsey (2024-09-13). "Fatima Payman Gen Z Slang Speech Declared 'Brainrot'". The Daily Dot. Retrieved 2024-09-16.