The concept of brainrot has become increasingly prevalent on the internet, with the term being named Oxford’s word of the year in 2024. Brainrot refers to the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, resulting from the overconsumption of trivial or unchallenging online content. This can include meaningless drivel, often silly in nature, that serves no purpose other than to potentially harm or damage one’s brain cells.
The internet has shifted toward using brainrot to describe content that is likely to have a negative impact on the viewer, leading to the degradation of their brain. According to Know Your Meme, brainrot is a slang term used to describe content with little to no artistic, educational, or substantive value. Examples of brainrot content include strange, AI-generated animals with nonsensical names, as well as repetitive and disturbing videos, such as the Skibidi Toilet song.
The proliferation of brainrot can be attributed, in part, to the rise of AI-generated content. With the ease of creation and little risk or care, AI slop has become increasingly popular, and brainrot often overlaps with this type of content. A study by Kapwing found that approximately half of YouTube Shorts can be classified as slop or brainrot.
Brainrot’s popularity can also be attributed to its appeal to young people, who often find the concept humorous. The rise of TikTok has led to a culture of scrolling mindlessly, and brainrot seems to be a natural extension of this behavior. While brainrot may not be inherently harmful, it is essential to maintain a balance between mindless content and more substantial, intellectually stimulating material.
As the internet continues to evolve, it is likely that brainrot will remain a prevalent aspect of online culture. With the ease of creation and dissemination of content, it is crucial to be aware of the potential impact of brainrot on individuals and society as a whole. By understanding the concept of brainrot and its significance, individuals can make informed decisions about their online content consumption and strive for a more balanced online experience.