Brain rot

Brain rot (or brainrot) is a colloquial term used to describe Internet content deemed to be of low quality or value, or the negative psychological and cognitive effects caused by exposure to it.^[1] The term also, more broadly, refers to excessive use of digital media, which may lead to cognitive decline, including a reduced attention span and impaired mental functioning.^[2]

First used online as early as 2004, the term "brain rot" grew in popularity by 2023, evolving into an internet meme.^[3] In 2024, it is most frequently used in the context of Generation Alpha's digital habits, with critics expressing that this generation is "excessively immersed in online culture.^[4] " It is commonly associated to an individual's vocabulary consisting exclusively of internet references.^[5] The term is often linked with slang and trends popular among Generation Alpha, such as "skibidi" (a reference to Skibidi Toilet), "rizz" (short for charisma), "gyat" (referring to the buttocks), "fanum tax" (stealing food), and "sigma" (referring to a leader or alpha male).^[6] In 2024, Australian politician Fatima Payman made headlines by incorporating Generation Alpha slang into a public speech. The speech, written by a younger staff member, Ezra Isma, was labeled by some as an example of "brainrot" outside the online world.^[7]

• Shitposting
• Slop (artificial intelligence)
• Sludge content
• Low culture
• Content farm
• Doomscrolling
• Digital media use and mental health
• List of Generation Z slang

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