The moment the SheKnows Teen Council settled around the table during one of our focus groups, the chaos began. “Wait, you don’t know Mango Funk?” one girl gasped, half-laughing, half-scandalized.

Teens talk about their “brain rot” online. While there isn’t data to back it up, per se, experts do have concerns about the effect on kids and adults.

IF YOU FEEL YOUR KIDS ARE SPEAKING A DIFFERENT LANGUAGE FROM YOURS THESE DAYS, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. SOCIAL MEDIA, BRAIN ROT, MEMES AND PHRASES ARE TAKING OVER AND SHAPING HOW KIDS ENGAGE AND INTERACT.

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." If you are parenting in 2025 and your kid owns a device, you might recognize this real-life convo as just ...

Ballerina Cappuccina, as depicted by @brainrotpumpfun, is one of the most well-known (and least controversial) Italian brain-rot characters. Photo: @brainrotpumpfun via TikTok Even if it hasn’t ...

The term "brain rot" refers to how low-quality internet content may slow your brain function. It's usually tied to watching specific types of content, usually nonsensical, embarrassing, or weird. But ...

Earlier this month, Tesla, the Elon Musk-led car company, staged a publicity stunt in front of the White House. A row of electric vehicles, including an angular stainless-steel Cybertruck, was ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Leslie Katz covers the intersection of culture, science and tech. Lirili Larila, an elephant-cactus hybrid, is one of the breakout ...

If you feel like your kids are speaking a different language these days, you are not alone. QUIZ: How well do you know the words of the year? Sign up for our Newsletters Social media “brain rot” memes ...