It’s not you: Gen Alpha's slang is really 'Ohio'

But the pejorative likely won’t stick, says Nancy Jennings, a UC children’s media expert who was a guest speaker on WVXU with radio host Lucy May.

The topic of discussion was “Brainrot,” and to what extent social media and other media, such as YouTube and television programing, impacts language, learning and development for Gen Alpha, those born after 2010. Brainrot is a term for users who spend too much time online.   

“Every generation comes up with their own language and own terms,” says Jennings, adding that Brainrot appears to be talked about more now because there is more exposure.  

On one hand, “it’s concerning because we are worried about brain development,” she says, “but the evidence is still coming in…and it’s not completely evil and it’s not completely good.”    

Aside from forming a language that their elders cannot understand, there is more evidence that constant connectivity can cause issues of anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation.

Jennings gives tips to parents and guardians on how to monitor media usage, such as watching the media together, even if there is a modern language barrier.

“If nothing else it’s a bridge,” that gives you something to talk about with your child.”

Jennings studies the impact of media on the lives of children and their families and public policies and practices involved with children’s media. 

Listen to the interview.

Featured image at top: iStock/martin-dm