From Brain Rot to Word of the Year: How Social Media Is Reshaping Modern Language

In today’s always-online world, “brain rot” has become a popular way to describe the feeling of consuming endless social media content. But it’s not meant literally—it’s more of a fun label for being deeply immersed in internet culture. For Gen Z and Gen Alpha, calling something “brain rot” isn’t an insult. It’s a way of embracing the strange, funny, and sometimes nonsensical content that defines their digital lives.  

The term comes with its unique vocabulary built from viral trends, memes, and internet jokes. References like “rizz” or bizarre video clips gain meaning not because they make sense on their own, but because they’ve been shared and reshared online. For young people, knowing these references signals belonging in a digital community. Researchers have even found teens using “brain rot” to describe content they love, showing it’s more about shared enjoyment than mindless scrolling.  

Many young users actively engage with internet culture rather than passively watching videos. Some content creators even lean into the brain rot vibe by making videos that playfully mix internet slang with everyday topics. For example, a fashion creator might talk about trends using over-the-top phrases like “serving hydration core” or “cowgirl copper.” Viewers enjoy this blend of silliness and relatability because it mirrors how they talk and joke online.  

Surprisingly, brain rot-inspired content has found a place in education, too. Some students use websites that turn textbook material into meme-style summaries or quick video explanations. Studies suggest this fun, relevant approach can help people learn better by making complex ideas easier to understand. It’s a creative twist on old-school study hacks. 

Despite concerns about screen time, young people today seem aware of how much content they consume. They often joke about their “cooked” brains after hours of scrolling, showing they’re in on the joke. This self-awareness suggests they see social media not as a mind-numbing escape but as a meaningful part of their identity and social life.  

What started as a way to poke fun at endless scrolling has become a new form of digital communication. While “brain rot” might sound like a negative term, it represents a creative, evolving way of connecting with others. Far from being a sign of decline, it’s proof that even in a world driven by screens, people find ways to turn online culture into something fun, social, and even educational.