Gen Z Creators Are Embracing Brain Rot

CREATOR NEWSLETTER


Recently, the term brain rot has evolved from a basic synonym for being chronically online, to a fully-fledged meme and ironic slang language. Words like gooning, rizz, sigma, gyatt, and skibidi have formed a new cultural lexicon that’s shooting content creators to popularity and permanently warping online and offline speech, according to etymologists.

The term brain rot has been used since as early as 2007 to describe the mental state of those who are considered too online. The release of the 2011 video game “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” in which brain rot is a contractible disease, furthered its popularity. As social media blossomed, brain rot also transformed into a noun, referring to low-quality, absurdist, or attention-grabbing content filled with internet references.

But now, brain rot has taken over. We’re all chronically online and brain rot content has grown into its own lucrative content genre, complete with a distinct linguistic style. We’ve also seen the explosion of niche brain rot. There’s political brain rot, sports brain rot, and even skincare brain rot.

This week, we dove deep into the rise of brain rot and whether this new internet language has staying power. Read the full story here.


CULTURE

How Brain Rot Became the Internet’s Newest Language

Brain melting into phone screen

Try Out The New TikTok Ad Assistant

If you’re trying to grow your TikTok audience, buying ads that extend the reach of your content is the platform’s preferred way to do it. Give yourself the gift of attention and set up a TikTok for Business Account today and get up to $100 in bonus advertising when you spend your first $100.


IN THE BIZ


LABOR

New Report Finds That Most Creators Make Under $50K

Nearly 2,000 creators were surveyed.

By Steven Asarch, Passionfruit Contributor

Linktree logo and a conceptual photo collage of a rising bar line and shopping carts.

PERSONALITIES

YouTuber Oompaville Doesn’t Know How He Got the MrBeast Interview

YouTuber Oompaville sat down with MrBeast to discuss the various allegations surrounding his YouTube channel.

By Steven Asarch, Passionfruit Contributor


UPCOMING EVENTS


WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

Content for Creators.

News, tips, and tricks delivered to your inbox twice a week.

Newsletter Signup

Latest Newsletters

  • Meet the Lawyer Taking on the Logan Paul vs Coffeezilla Lawsuit

    Meet the Lawyer Taking on the Logan Paul vs Coffeezilla Lawsuit

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #263 | August 13, 2024 – Grace Stanley, Deputy Editor PERSONALITIES Coffeezilla’s Lawyer Is Ready To Defend ‘David Versus Goliath’ Lawyer Bill Ogden is no stranger to the internet.  By Steven Asarch, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED Introducing: Beacons Business-in-a-Box (Because your brand deserves a better link in bio) The…

  • Data-Scraping Philosophy Tube Puts Ethical AI Into the Pile

    Data-Scraping Philosophy Tube Puts Ethical AI Into the Pile

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #262 | August 8, 2024 Watching the “House of the Dragon” season (?) finale (?!) on Sunday, I caught a familiar face playing Esos fleet commander Lohar. Playing the female pirate king with multiple wives was YouTuber Abigail Thorn, who is having quite a season after appearing as a Jedi in the…

  • How to Defeat the Algorithm’s Gaping Maw

    How to Defeat the Algorithm’s Gaping Maw

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #261 | August 6, 2024 – Grace Stanley, Deputy Editor TIPS & TRICKS Paddy Galloway’s 12-Step Process for Building a New YouTube Channel in a Year Learn from the master for free. By John-Michael Bond, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED Ready to expand your reach—and earnings? Turn your knowledge into…