Icl, u shd rd ts article. If you understood that sentence, you are most likely brain rotted. “Brain rot” recently became Oxford’s word of the year in 2024. “‘Brain rot’ refers to the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging.” Brain rot has taken over modern day living, even inside the walls of Pella High School. Three juniors in particular are extremely knowledgeable on this subject, Hunter Haynes, Kanten Lyle, and Carter Van Kley.
“Brain rot has transformed my life ever since MLG has emerged online,” said Haynes.
MLG stands for Major League Gaming and refers to the early 2010s when 360 no scopes, Doritos, Mountain Dew, flashing lights, and loud sounds dominated online entertainment. This is known as the beginning of brain rot. Brain rot started to transform into modern day brain rot with the emergence of “the Quandale Dingle era.” This era refers to the time between 2021-2022 when online memes consisted of “goofy ahh posts.”
“This was really when memes evolved into brain rot,” stated Lyle. “Kumula v. Savesta, Quandale Dingle, and Dababy car really dominated TikTok and other platforms.”
Brain rot then transformed into what’s known as “prime brain rot.” This is when many popular sayings, characters, and memes popped up.
“This is when Skibidi Toilet and the Low Taper Fade meme, two of the biggest brain rot memes of all time, became popular,” said Haynes. “This is when brain rot exploded and many people who were not into brain rot got included.”
These revolutionary memes paved the way for modern brain rot, which includes Druski, the use of Ai in photos and songs, accuracy memes, and abbreviations such as ts, pmo, and icl.
While brain rot seems like harmless, meaningless fun, it comes with some detrimental consequences. According to the Newport Institute, a series of comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment centers for young adults across the country, consuming too much brain rot can cause both mental and physical problems. According to the institute, “Trying to absorb and cope with massive amounts of content creates mental fatigue. And that can lead to a drop in motivation, focus, productivity, and energy over time, especially in young people.” Having too much exposure to brain rot can also spike neurochemical dopamine, which produces feelings of satisfaction and pleasure.
“I can barely drive without watching TikToks,” said Haynes. “If I don’t have a constant stream of brain rot, I don’t feel right.”
These problems are also seen in the classroom and workplace, as people who consume these memes are shown to have “significant negative association with executive functioning skills such as planning, organization, problem-solving, decision-making, and working memory.” This is why many people, primarily adults, are trying to limit kid’s exposure to brain rot. This is because they only know the negative aspects of brain rot, instead of the positive.
Brain rot allows you to branch out and make new friends. “I have made countless new friends by using brain rot,” said Lyle. “Without brain rot I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”
Brain rot has shown to increase social connections, as two brain rotted individuals can bond over a shared interest.
“When I meet someone who is brain rotted, I feel a special connection between us,” said Haynes. “There’s just something about brain rotted people that make them easier to connect with.”
Brain rot also helps people stay up to date on current events and trends. “I get all my news from AI videos that are put into Fortnite terms,” said Haynes. “There’s something about Fortnite that makes me understand news topics more clearly.”
In addition, brain rot can teach people how to become better people. Brain rot creators such as Luke Belmar, Santa Cruz, and Dillon Latham help people improve themselves physically, mentally, and economically.
Brain rot is an ever evolving part of our society. There are always going to be new memes, sounds, and trends that continue to dominate online platforms. Whether you watch them on TikTok or Instagram, whether you’re on team Santa Cruz or team YeSquad, whether you are brain rotted or not, everyone can agree that brain rot is here to stay.
