The idea is that BrainRot is a semantic class that points back to the algorithm.

So it started out with Skibbitty, Riz, Ohio. Skibbitty doesn't mean anything. Riz's charisma, Ohio doesn't mean anything either. It's funny because these words are algorithmic trends, and they're overused to death. Creators use them because they're trending, and that helps them go more viral. And then we're in this positive feedback loop of the phrase becoming more of a meme

and more creators using it because the algorithm is pushing it and then it becomes even more

of a thing.

Hey everyone, it's Adam Graham.

Welcome back to Rethinking, my podcast with Ted on the science of what makes us tick.

I'm an organizational psychologist, and I'm taking

you inside the minds of fascinating people to explore new thoughts and new ways of thinking.

Today's guest is a 24-year-old linguist named Adam Alexic. He's known online as etymology nerd

for his enlightening and entertaining videos

on the origins of words. His recent book, Algospeak, offers a fascinating look at how algorithms

are changing the way we communicate and demystifies a lot of Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang.

So yeah, you look at the meme, you dissect where it comes from, and you understand more about

who we are as a society,

how ideas are affecting us. I think if we educate ourselves and have deep media literacy about the

things we are looking at, we are better able to judge reality. I had a lot of fun talking with him

about the origins of internet language, and whether the garbage memes created by AI might

foretell the downfall of society.

He even makes a case for watching the dreaded TV series, Skibbitty Toilet, for the deeper

social commentary it contains.

No, I'm serious.

We'll get there, but first, I asked him to give me a little test. My neighbor's mom is a huge fan of you, so she'll be really excited. One, I'm honored and two, neighbor's mom. I feel like I've made it in life now. Can you start by quizzing me on Algo Speak? Sure. I would love if you give me some words and then I'll do my best and you can tell me

...