TIKTOK memes are commonly used to lightheartedly express emotions or simply for fun. Before it was known as brain rot, things as such were considered memes. TikTok is one of the main sources from which these types of memes come from. Usually, every month, there’s a brain rot phrase or picture that is used until it’s dried out and considered lame or old. They tend to spread all over the media. One of the key factors contributing to TikTok brain rot is the platform’s algorithm. Not everything is seen by everyone, and not everyone understands social media meme references. The TikTok algorithm is like being watched, and it knows what is trending now. It’s almost like a rollercoaster. Of course, there’s a darker side to TikTok, just like every social media platform. However, people tend to get reported or banned if it gets bad.
Clancy Taala (11) says that he tends to use TikTok brain rot references occasionally. “I personally think it’s funny, sometimes it can be dumb. I do think it’s affecting our generation. My favorite part about it is that I can say something, and people would understand. I would say I use it a lot daily,” Taala said. His favorite brain rot phrase is “ ‘Nah she got you blushin twin awh heck nah twin you gotta lock up twin this ain’t you twin on foenem grave bruh,’ ” he said.
Elvis Lepo (12) has positive things to say about TikTok brain rot. “I honestly love TikTok brain rot. I’m like super brain rotted myself. I would say that it is affecting our generation since I’ve heard or seen a lot of brain rot. My favorite would be John Pork since his murder RIP John Pork came out. However, I wouldn’t say I have a least favorite I love my memes all the same,” Lepo said. He has concluded that he doesn’t use it daily or often as he used to but dabbles a bit into it occasionally.
Overall, TikTok is the place for creativity and fun ideas. As new users are dragged into the app, they are introduced to different media ideas. TikTok memes are created to emit a lighthearted laugh from viewers. The media will always have some negativity, but the key idea is to have fun and ignore offensive memes, comments, or posts. It’s always a good idea to take a break from the media, as too much screen time specifically on TikTok is not good and can affect schoolwork.