Is online culture getting dumber? Adults are baffled by the latest TikTok trend — and the wild world of Gen Z 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
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The word nonsensical most nearly means:
A: Very serious
B: Making no sense
C: Popular with old people
D: Easy to understand
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Which word is the closest synonym for ridiculous?
A: Absurd
B: Factual
C: Ancient
D: Secret
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Add the correct punctuation to the sentence below.
having witnessed the horrors of war the dadaists responded with comedy
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When the “6-7” meme was first used by basketball fans, what did the numbers refer to?
A: The player’s shirt number
B: The final score of a game
C: The player’s height
D: The number of fans in the crowd
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According to the article, which of these is an example of “Gen Alpha humour”?
A: Lolcats
B: Skibidi Toilet
C: Badger Badger Badger
D: Dramatic Chipmunk
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The article compares modern internet humour to an art movement called Dada. Why did the Dadaists create such absurd art?
A: They wanted to become famous artists.
B: They were trying to sell their artwork for a lot of money.
C: They were responding with comedy to the horrors of war.
D: They did not know how to paint properly.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1. B 2. A 3. Having witnessed the horrors of war, the Dadaists responded with comedy. 4. C 5. B 6. C
1. B 2. A 3. Having witnessed the horrors of war, the Dadaists responded with comedy. 4. C 5. B 6. C
Glossary
Meme - A funny image, video, text or idea etc that is shared quickly online.
Gen 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.
AI - A computer programme that has been designed to think.
Animated - Full of energy, or made using animation techniques.
Precedents - Earlier events that are then used as guides or examples.
Absurdity - Ridiculousness.