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

  • ScarJo Sets an Important Precedent for Creators

    ScarJo Sets an Important Precedent for Creators

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #239 | May 21, 2024 THE COMMENTS SECTION “In a time when we are all grappling with deepfakes and the protection of our own likeness, our own work, our own identities, I believe these are questions that deserve absolute clarity.” – Grace Stanley, Deputy Editor PERSONALITIES OpenAI Pulls ChatGPT-4 Voice After Actress…

  • Internet to Influencers: “Off With Their Threads!”

    Internet to Influencers: “Off With Their Threads!”

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #238 | May 16, 2024 – James Del, Publisher NOTED BY LON HARRIS If YouTube CEO Neal Mohan Wants More Emmys, He Should Support Creators Also, do the Creative Arts Emmys not count as Emmys? By Lon Harris, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED Wake up to the latest creator news IN THE BIZ PERSONALITIES YouTuber…

  • The Twitch Streamers and Insta Baddies of the MCU

    The Twitch Streamers and Insta Baddies of the MCU

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #237 | May 14, 2024 – Grace Stanley, Deputy Editor CULTURE ‘Marvel Rivals’ Contract Teaches Creators an Important Lesson A non-disparagement clause in a contract for creators by ‘Marvel Rivals’ went viral this week. By Steven Asarch, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED Wake up to the latest creator news IN THE BIZ TIPS…