Is online culture getting dumber? Adults are baffled by the latest TikTok trend — and the wild world of Gen Alpha humour. But some think the absurd and ridiculous have always been part of our culture.
From ‘6-7’ star to accidental meme
Height of success: Basketball player LaMelo Ball, 24, has found himself at the centre of not just the court, but a TikTok sensation. Comprehension quiz
-
What is the meaning of the phrase “digital natives” in this context?
A: People who are experts in digital art.
B: The first people to ever use the internet.
C: People who have grown up using the internet and digital technology from a young age.
D: People who prefer nature over technology.
-
Which word is the closest synonym for “grandiose”?
A: Simple
B: Quiet
C: Impressive
D: Funny
-
According to the article, which two of the following were involved in the origin of the “6-7” meme?
A: An AI-generated shark with three legs.
B: A song by the rapper Skrilla.
C: A video of a husky howling.
D: Videos of the basketball player LaMelo Ball.
-
The article mentions the art movement Dada. What was it a response to?
A: The rise of the internet.
B: The creation of surreal AI music videos.
C: The horrors of World War One.
D: The popularity of lolcats.
-
Find and write down two examples of early internet humour (from the 2000s) mentioned in the text.
-
In your own words, summarise the two opposing viewpoints in the article about Gen Alpha humour.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1. C 2. C 3. B and D 4. C 5. Any two of the following: lolcats, a husky (Mishka) appearing to howl “I love you”, “fail” videos, Badger Badger Badger, or Dramatic Chipmunk. 6. One viewpoint is that Gen Alpha humour is nonsensical, stupid, or "sloptainment." The opposing view is that this kind of absurd humour isn't new; it has historical parallels (precedents) in both early internet memes like lolcats and in established art movements like Dada, which also used absurdity to react to a chaotic world.
1. C 2. C 3. B and D 4. C 5. Any two of the following: lolcats, a husky (Mishka) appearing to howl “I love you”, “fail” videos, Badger Badger Badger, or Dramatic Chipmunk. 6. One viewpoint is that Gen Alpha humour is nonsensical, stupid, or "sloptainment." The opposing view is that this kind of absurd humour isn't new; it has historical parallels (precedents) in both early internet memes like lolcats and in established art movements like Dada, which also used absurdity to react to a chaotic world.
Glossary
Meme - A funny image, video, text or idea etc that is shared quickly online.
Generation Z - People born between the late 1990s and early 2010s.
Generation Alpha - People born between 2010 and 2025.
Brainrot - A slang term for an apparent decline in intelligence or critical thinking due to the overconsumption of inane online content.
Absurdity - Ridiculousness.