Brain rot, oh brain rot, where do we begin? If you want to get technical, it can be defined as the negative effects of excessive internet use or exposure to low-quality online content. For example, to quote my roommate, “Skibbidi toilet rizz gyatt sigma.” I’m sure you’ve heard some form of this, whether through your own For You Page on TikTok or through word of mouth. It’s ever present on the internet. If you want a historical reference, it is our generation’s version of the minion memes our parents seemed to love. I love it, to say the least, but in minimal doses only. Supposedly, there are some physical manifestations of brain rot. In terms of cognitive decline, it can lead to reduced attention spans and hyperfixation on niche topics, memes, and online trends — sometimes to the detriment of other activities. It can even cause a general sense of detachment from reality. People can get so immersed that they can lose touch with real-world experiences and interactions. I can perhaps attest to the attention span decline, but that might just be because I’m doom-scrolling ‘til kingdom come.
Whatever the physical and/or mental consequences of brain rot, I find the phenomenon fascinating. It’s a wonderful reflection of our evolving relationship with digital media. It’s humorous, it’s entertaining, but it’s also a form of escapism. I feel that, like with all good things, there needs to be moderation. Everything requires balance. Especially something as subjective as humor — what’s hilarious to you can be dull to others. Remember, self-awareness is key, folks.
If “brain rot” content brings you joy, and it isn’t interfering with your daily life, it can be a harmless indulgence. So by all means, indulge.
Since brain rot has become such a widespread phenomenon, it’s mostly impacted younger children, middle schoolers running around, screaming their heads off about how Baby Gronk rizzed up Livvy Dunne in Ohio. It does bring up an interesting question about educating ourselves and the newer generations about digital literacy and mental health. I do believe students need to learn critical thinking skills and make more informed choices about media consumption.
“What the gassy whopper whopper whopper rizzler Andrew Tate all my fellas hit the griddy Smurf cat Smurf cat dawg DJ Khaled mewing metal pipe falling goofy ahh” — a quote from my 14-year-old cousin. Whatever makes him happy, I guess.
