KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has announced that the government is reviewing regulatory enforcement on online platforms, particularly concerning age restrictions for social media users. The move aims to ensure that account holders are aged 13 and above, in line with global digital safety standards.
What is “brainrot”?
“Brainrot” is a Gen Z slang term used to describe content that is overly addictive, low-quality, or outright nonsensical—short-form videos and memes that flood platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. This type of content is designed to hook attention through absurd humour, surreal visuals, and fast-paced edits, often with little to no narrative or meaning.
Young minds, still in development, are especially vulnerable to these stimuli. Many experts warn that overexposure to such media can dull critical thinking skills, shorten attention spans, and contribute to behavioural issues.
The rise of absurdist memes
One recent example is the viral “ballerina cappuccino” trend—a quirky, AI-generated meme depicting a ballerina with a cappuccino cup for a head. It’s part of what some call “Italian brainrot,” a subgenre of absurdist meme culture that has gained traction online.
According to ABC News, Italian animator and educator Fabian Mosele, who is based in Germany, describes the appeal as “multifaceted.”
“Italian brainrot is the latest in dank memes that relies heavily on nonsense and the surprise factor. Gen Z and Gen Alpha humour tends to be absurdist. The joke is that there is no joke—it’s just weird,” Mosele said.
While these memes are often shared in good fun, critics argue they contribute to a broader culture of overstimulation and mental passivity, particularly among children.
Real consequences for young brains
Excessive screen time doesn’t just affect eyesight, it also has profound implications for mental health. When children are continuously fed chaotic, meaningless, or hyper-stimulating content, their brains can become conditioned to crave instant gratification, undermining patience, focus, and imagination.
Psychologists have linked prolonged exposure to such content with increased levels of anxiety, sleep disruption, irritability, and even depressive symptoms in children and adolescents.
The role of parents and platforms
Experts stress that parents must take an active role in managing their children’s digital habits. This includes monitoring screen time, enabling age restrictions, and using content filters on streaming platforms.
By curating healthier media environments, featuring meaningful, age-appropriate, and visually engaging content—parents can shield their children from the more harmful aspects of digital culture. Simple steps such as switching to educational or creatively stimulating videos can make a significant difference in a child’s cognitive and emotional development.
As the digital world becomes ever more immersive, the need to draw clear boundaries for young users is more urgent than ever. What may seem like harmless fun, silly memes, AI-generated absurdities, or endless short-form videos can have deeper psychological effects on developing minds.
The government’s review of age-related online access is a timely and necessary move. But real change starts at home with informed parents and guardians choosing quality over chaos in their children’s online experiences.