The use of “brain rot” language is causing a deficit in good vocabulary and meaningful conversations among kids. 

We make fun of our parents and teachers for using words like on fleek, radical and gnarly. But I wonder what might happen in 20 years when the next generation discovers we were infatuated with the numbers six and seven?

Studies show brain rot leads to “emotional desensitization,” “negative self worth” and “cognitive overload,” according to the American Heart Association.

I agree that the use of these words can be funny in certain settings, but using them all of the time is reducing the ability for thought out, meaningful conversations. Slang words often reduce serious matters to jokes, making it harder to express emotions without a layer of humor. 

What appeal do these words have that makes them so frequently used? 

Ray Mabie, sophomore, said kids use brain rot words to sound cool, and that the longer these words are used, the more they get ingrained into kids’ vocabulary. 

Mabie said the longer brain rot words are used, the more they get ingrained into younger kids’ heads and become a part of their vocabulary. 

”I have a younger cousin that uses it, but he finds it hilarious and no one else does. It gets really awkward and I feel like it doesn’t really contribute to conversations,” Mabie said.

One of the main problems with these words is that people don’t know their meanings.

”All of these words have origins, like all words do,” Kathrine Bauman, social studies teacher, said.  

Bauman said it would be helpful for students to know how others might interpret these words if they do not know their context. 

I have nothing against fun conversations or slang. It is the overuse of these words and phrases that leads to unclear communication and emotional desensitization that I disagree with. 

As Generation Z, we should focus on speaking with words that matter and have a message rather than using them to land a punch line.