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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]