If phrases like “Skibidi” or “Mama, a girl behind you” seem familiar to someone, they might have a case of brainrot. Brainrot is an expression commonly used by Gen Z and Gen Alpha (years 1993-2010 and 2010-2024 respectively, according to Britannica). It describes the perceived decline in cognitive abilities due to overuse of social media platforms. The term originates from a video game called The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, where characters can contract a disease called brain rot. In 2023, the term rapidly rose in popularity on social media through memes.
On platforms like TikTok, some users mock people who use slang from brainrot seemingly without much thought. However, few discussions highlight what brainrot is and how it can negatively affect teenagers who spend time on social media.
“Brainrot usually consists of content that is already satirical, but is then mushed together with a popular meme or song that adds to its comedic effect,” Calvin Grimes ’28 said.
According to an article from the New York Times, “The term [brainrot] refers primarily to low-value internet content and the effects caused by spending too much time consuming it.” The term can describe a behavioral addiction to social media, with people viewing those affected by brainrot as chronic online users. However, many social media users consume brainrot content and recognize its references without necessarily suffering from addiction to brainrot.
Gale Woodbridge ’28 reflected on social media’s role in promoting brainrot content. “Most of the time, [brainrot] refers to something that someone would never say in real life if they were not chronically using social media,” she said.
Additionally, Woodbridge commented on the prevalence of brainrot-related slang in the everyday language of teenage social media users in comparison to other generations. “I feel like every generation has their own set of slang, but brainrot feels like an extreme use of slang in comparison to older generations.”
As an addiction, brainrot’s symptoms can include mental fog, lethargy and reduced attention span. Teenage social media users make fun of themselves and others who show these signs. TikTok user 888 (@l.enau) posted a video on May 15 noting how they experience brainrot through the consumption of social media content. The TikTok user wrote in the caption, “I knew I … truly [had] brainrot when I tripped and my first thought was ‘minus aura.”’
Some students find that the forms of brainrot content are addictive and can show up in unexpected situations. “Consuming any short-form content will definitely take over your psyche, and you will start thinking about it in situations where it’s not very relevant,” Lucile Pergola ’28 said.
“When I was taking my midterm, all I could think about was a remix on [TikTok] of the new KSI song,” Pergola said. Influencer KSI’s song “Thick Of It,” released on Oct. 3, became a meme used in brainrot content on TikTok after many users spoke about their dislike for it.
The impact of brainrot on social media users can extend beyond the use of slang words and memes. “The term brainrot implies that it contributes to some real cognitive impairments,” Director of Counseling Services Amina Samake said. “Scientific researchers have seen that there is a connection to the overuse of social media and a lack of problem-solving or communication skills.”
Excessive screen usage is widespread among children and teens in the United States, with approximately 60% of six to 17 year-olds exceeding the recommended daily limit of two hours per day. This raises the question of how to combat brainrot for teen students, since many people build their social skills in their teen years.
“When I think about brainrot, it’s something that impacts the ways in which you communicate with people,” Samake said. “For some folks that struggle with social anxiety or are more introverted, physically leaving the house and being with people can create a real sense of connection.”
