Absurd humour dominated our feeds in 2024, redefining what we find funny. But does the popularity of such content aka what we consider "brain rot" a liberating escape from reality, or a concerning reflection of our digital habits? We introspect.
When I first came across Ganji Chudail memes, my immediate reaction was, “Why is the algorithm showing me this?” The videos seemed lame at first—odd animation, uninspired narration, and humor that didn’t make any sense. I scrolled past, thinking it was just one of those internet trends I’d never understand. But then Ganji Chudail started making a regular comeback on my feed. Slowly, against my better judgment, I found myself laughing. The narration was oddly entertaining, and the sheer absurdity of it all became… kind of funny. Still, I hesitated to share it with anyone. I mean, who in their right mind finds this funny, right?
Turns out, a lot of people do.
Ganji Chudail memes have really dominated trends this year. So much so that we’ve seen brands incorporating Ganji Chudail in their ad campaigns and even adapting the original storytelling style of these videos. Most recently, Neena Gupta surprised us with a collaboration with YouTube India, where she embraced Ganji Chudail-inspired makeup. The video went viral, as people absolutely loved it. In the clip, she asks social media influencers Sakshi Sindwani, Ishita Mangal, and Shivshakti Khurana to give her a makeover. The result? A video that’s unusually funny—and completely unexpected.
This unexpected collaboration got me thinking about the cultural grip of rot humor, but the real inspiration for this article came when it was announced that “Brain rot” is the Oxford Word of the Year. If that doesn’t sum up where we are culturally, I don’t know what does. Brainrot refers to content that’s deeply unhinged, often nonsensical, and far removed from intellectual discourse. It’s a phenomenon where we’ve found comfort in watching things that are, for lack of a better term, dumb.
This rise in brainrot can be seen everywhere - whether it’s Ganji Chudail, bizarre AI-generated memes, or Reels that make no sense until you’ve watched them six times, rot humor has taken over. Why? Perhaps it’s because we’re tired. The internet has always been a space for escapism but in the time of constant doomscrolling and productivity pressures, we need a new kind of break. Rot humor gives us permission to laugh at the ridiculous. For some, it’s an antidote to taking life too seriously.
Also Read: The #Womeninmaledominatedfields trend is fashionably calling out everyday misogyny, and here's why we love it!
That’s one perspective, but what if we’re only consuming it because the algorithm is pushing it?
What if we’re not the ones discovering rot humor on our own? The internet is feeding us this content, often through the ruthless algorithms of social media platforms. Meme videos, the absurd characters, and the chaotic humor are all carefully curated to keep us hooked. But what does this say about us? Do we even control what we consume anymore? The more I watched brainrot content, the more the algorithm pushed similar material. The more I laughed, the more the internet learned what tickled my funny bone. It’s almost as if the algorithm understood me better than I did.
It’s not just regular folks loving rot humor; brands and celebrities are now jumping on this trend too. For brands, this is a clever way to humanize themselves and connect with younger audiences. For celebrities, it’s a way to stay relevant. Neena Gupta’s Ganji Chudail-inspired makeover is a prime example of this cross-generational appeal. But what does it say about our collective psyche? While we laugh, there’s a part of me that wonders whether there’s something deeper at play here. Is rot humor, in its chaotic, lowbrow form, a reflection of our society? Are we collectively tired of taking things seriously?
The absurdity of these memes may serve as a way to cope with the unpredictability of life with its strange kind of comfort. But it’s not all fun and games. Critics argue that this kind of humor is a distraction, promoting mediocrity over intellect. They have a point. By celebrating the nonsensical, are we losing touch with thoughtful, meaningful content? What does it say about us that “brain rot” was our most defining word this year?
Sure, there’s an argument to be made that absurd humor has its own kind of brilliance. The layers of irony, the subtle commentary, the sheer creativity—it’s all there if you’re willing to look. But does the average viewer look that hard? Or are we just consuming for the sake of consuming, numbing ourselves with heavy doses of silliness because it’s easier? I'll leave that for you to introspect on.
What's your take on the popularity of brain rot humour? Tell us in the comments below!
For more infotainment, follow us on @socialketchup
/socialketchup/media/agency_attachments/oTmmYmTemGaSn2TxEWbL.png)
/socialketchup/media/member_avatars/2024/10/28/2024-10-28t135614899z-1000235363.jpg )
Follow Us/socialketchup/media/media_files/2024/12/04/losDVRq8HsEE4Wn6ZpnM.png)
/socialketchup/media/media_files/2025/01/03/leaderboard-new-dec-mag.png)