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

  • 🏛️ TikTok’s Looming Congressional Battle

    🏛️ TikTok’s Looming Congressional Battle

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue #118 | March 21, 2023 This Thursday, TikTok’s CEO will be testifying in front of Congress amid a battle with the U.S. government over the platform’s privacy and security. Meanwhile, TikTokers are debating the future of a potential ban, and some are even being sent by TikTok to Washington D.C. to…

  • 🔥 From ‘Too Hot Handle’ to TikTok, Harry Jowsey Describes His Career Evolution

    🔥 From ‘Too Hot Handle’ to TikTok, Harry Jowsey Describes His Career Evolution

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue #117 | Mar. 16, 2023 This weekend at South by Southwest (SXSW), creators took center stage in many events, parties, and panels—including at a content creators meet-up hosted by 25-year-old Harry Jowsey, a creator with over 9.1 million followers across TikTok and Instagram and a former reality TV star known for…

  • 🎉The Streamer Awards, SXSW, and More

    🎉The Streamer Awards, SXSW, and More

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue #116 | Mar. 14, 2023 Hi readers! It was truly a weekend of events. Not only did the Oscars kick off over the weekend with many fashion and film creators in attendance, but on Saturday, hundreds of thousands of fans tuned in to watch one of the most important creator awards…