Latest news with #GenAlpha
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What Is Aura Farming? Gen Alpha's Latest Obsession, Explained
Hello, friends and fellow millennials. If you're reading this, I assume that you're a befuddled parent like me who feels as though the tween or teen in your home speaks an entirely different and utterly incomprehensible language. Case in point: What is aura farming and why does the alien under your roof keep talking about it? Well, I interviewed my Gen Alpha kid, as well as a few of her friends to learn everything I could about this annoyingly complex trend and the myriad social contexts in which it can be referenced. Read on for what I hope is a clearer picture of aura farming—just don't try too hard to do it yourself, OK? What Is Aura? In order to understand what aura farming is, you must first have a firm grasp on Gen Alpha's use of the word aura. For starters, in Gen Alpha vernacular, aura has no color associated with it and is decidedly not a spiritual thing; in fact, the word is really just used as a way to quantify somebody's 'cool factor.' If someone has so much aura, they're really just effortlessly cool and exude some coveted social status without even trying; if the quiet kid who usually flies under the radar spills his OJ on a popular girl in the cafeteria, well, let's just say his 'aura points' will take a big hit. What Is Aura Farming? If you are effortless, you will be admired for your aura. You can even put effort into being effortless and get away with it most of the time. (i.e., wearing the coolest new shoe style in an Insta selfie but not mentioning it at all.) But push that strategy too far and your peers will take notice, which brings us to the concept of aura farming. If you're hunting down aura points, flexing too hard (i.e., showing off), and inadvertently making a mockery of yourself by flaunting too much cool, chances are you're in the business of aura farming. For us millennials, there are some more familiar phrases to describe this behavior: 'so desperate,' 'such a poser,' and 'trying way too hard' come to mind. The terminology comes from the world of video games where 'farming' refers to doing the same task over and over again to rack up points or rewards. Think: chopping wood or slaying low-level monsters for hours to get better armor. 'Aura farming' borrows that concept and applies it to the social sphere. It's the subtle (and exhausting, IMO) art of projecting a curated vibe across all aspects of your identity—online and IRL. Now, here's the tricky part. As with most Gen Alpha trends, there's an inherent contradiction here—namely that aura farming isn't always a negative thing. In fact, aura farming can win you actual aura points if you do it successfully on social media and garner a following as a result. In fact, aura farming actually originated with a kid who took his dance moves to the front of a boat in Indonesia and became the country's tourism ambassador (see video above). Most aura farming you find on TikTok continues to be some imitation of this kid's moves, but the idea has evolved to include other ways of being unexpectedly cool. Other examples of admirable aura farming include Michael Jackson (who many dub as 'the original aura farmer') and Timothée Chalamet as Atreides in Dune. Ultimately, the concept of aura farming is saturated with irony; it's all about trying to be cool on social media whilst maintaining an air of randomness to your oh-so curated content. Why Are Kids Obsessed with Aura Farming? So, is aura farming a compliment or a dig? I can't say with any authority because my impression of this trend is that it really can go both ways. And that, friends, is precisely what Gen Alpha loves about it. From Italian brain rot to all things Ohio, Gen Alphas really likes to lean into absurdity, ambiguity and randomness. If there's rhyme and reason to any of this, I'm decidedly too old to identify it. I do, however, know that aura farming requires a real delicate touch. Do it right and you'll go viral and become a really big deal; do it wrong and you're just the butt of a joke. But, hey, it's the social stock market and anyone who goes public better be ready to take some risks. Attention Gen Alpha Moms: Apparently 'Smellmaxxing' Is Now a Thing Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What Is Italian Brainrot? The Bizarre Gen Alpha Trend, Explained
I have to admit that when my 10-year-old daughter first told me that the kids in her class have gotten into Italian brainrot, I showed no curiosity whatsoever. I knew from the name that it was likely something that would a) revile me and b) force me to grieve for the future of her generation. Alas, here I am, bracing myself for a deep dive into the world of Gen Alpha media trends. So far, nothing I have learned about this oh-so popular subgenre of content, which primarily exists on my two least favorite platforms—TikTok and YouTube—indicates that it has any substance or cultural value whatsoever. In fact, from a neurological standpoint, it might actually live up to its name. So, what is Italian brainrot, exactly? Read on for a closer look at this bizarre trend…if you dare. What Is Italian Brainrot? First, we must begin by defining brainrot in general, which is easy to do since Oxford named it the word of the year in 2024—one that 'refers to the supposed deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state, particularly due to excessive consumption of online content considered trivial or unchallenging.' So what is the Italian spin on this nauseating trend, you ask? Italian brainrot is a Gen Alpha phenomenon that has taken social media by storm and is set apart by (you guessed it) Italian accents and phrases borrowed from the language. Aside from the Italian flare, the content is characterized by bizarre or ridiculous AI generated characters (typically animals morphed with random objects), chaotic and overstimulating visuals, and completely nonsensical narratives (if you can even call them that). Much like skibidi toilet, Italian brainrot really leans into the absurd; it's weirdness for the sake of weirdness. That's the joke. That's the punchline. And while you or I might furrow our brow and think, what the actual f*ck am I looking at? Gen Alpha seems to delight in this entirely pointless and highly-addictive content. Why Are Kids Obsessed with Italian Brainrot? Dr. Sanam Hafeez, neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, tells me that this type of content 'instantly grabs kids' attention because it's designed to overload their senses by providing quick, high-reward dopamine hits without requiring much focus or thought.' Plus, the expert notes that kids are naturally drawn to novelty and silliness, which this trend delivers in spades—and at a rapid-fire pace that keeps them glued to the screen. Should you be concerned if your child goes down the brainrot rabbit hole? Well, a little. Dr. Hafeez explains that this media trend doesn't actually rot the brain, per se, but regular exposure to it can condition the developing brain in some not-so-desirable ways. 'This kind of media can make it harder for young brains to tolerate slower-paced or less stimulating activities—like reading, doing homework, or even having a conversation. Attention fragmentation, decreased tolerance for frustration, and impaired abilities to think deeply are all possible consequences. Children may eventually develop an appetite for incessant stimulation and battle boredom or tasks requiring sustained concentration.' Still, the expert doesn't indicate a total ban is necessary, but rather advises that parents try to keep it to a minimum and ensure that it's balanced with 'grounded, real-world interactions.' 5 Italian Brainrot Characters, Explained 1. Ballerina Cappuccina Latte art meets the dance arts in this bizarre-o character—a ballerina with a human form and cappuccino cup for a head. This AI creation is typically seen dancing and singing in a wide variety of situations, including at special events, like brainrot weddings, and in her day-to-day interactions with other characters. Social media users who interact with Italian brainrot have the creative license to come up with new, strange scenarios and backstories for the character. 2. Tralalero Tralala I'm not sure what the Italian connection is here. (You'd think figaro might be a better fit.) Regardless, this Italian brainrot character—one of the earliest and most popular—is ashark with three limbs, all of which are outfitted with Nike Airs, and a penchant for childlike singing. 3. Cappuccino Assassino Here, meet the supposed husband of the aforementioned ballet dancer with a coffee cup head. As the name suggests, Ballerina Cappuccina's beloved is involved in a very different line of work. In fact, his entire body is a coffee cup (the to-go style, I think?) and he has lethal weapons (knives) for limbs. According to the International Center for Language Studies, this AI generated character is 'lightning fast, deadly, and fueled by caffeine and revenge.' 4. Tung Tung Tung Sahur Again, I'm not seeing the Italian influence on this one; in fact, it supposedly has ties to Muslim religious tradition (i.e., the drumming that takes place before the pre-dawn meal at Ramadan), though I'm not sure how practicing Muslims would feel about their sacred ritual being co-opted for brainrot purposes. In the brainrot world, Tung Tung Tung Sahur is a rather terrifying log who carries a wooden bat and appears if the wake-up call to prayer is ignored three times—presumably to mete out a violent punishment. Needless to say, this character is rather problematic on many different levels. 5. Bombardiro Crocodilo AKA Bombardino, this Italian brainrot character is an anthropomorphic crocodile that's merged with a World War II-era bomber plane. Bombardino drops bombs, yes, but it's also worth noting (I guess?) that he's an over-the-top character whose theatrical style is thought to enhance the absurd comedy of the trend. WTF Is Skibidi Toilet? (Plus 10 Other Gen Alpha Slang Terms You Should Know) Solve the daily Crossword


NDTV
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
From Cap To Cherry: Guide For Parents To Decode Popular Teen Emoji Slangs
Today is World Emoji Day, commemorating the vibrant world of emojis. July 17 was chosen because it's the date displayed on the calendar emoji on Apple devices, referencing the launch date of Apple's iCal application in 2002. Emojis promote creativity and connection across cultures and languages, but the younger generation (Gen Z and Gen Alpha) has devised a way to use the same icons with hidden meanings that can be positive or negative. Hence, it's time for the parents to learn how their children use these emojis in digital communication. Emojis allow users to convey emotions, reactions and ideas effectively. They can add tone and personality to text-based messages, helping to clarify the intended meaning behind words. Parents need to pay attention to the overall conversation, including the digital image or icon, to understand the intended meanings. Here's a guide for parents to understand The Cherry emoji typically represents the fruit itself, but can also carry other meanings depending on the context. It is used for confidence or swagger, also to express owning a moment or situation. The Skull emoji means "I'm dead" from laughing or shock, replacing the Face with Tears of Joy emoji for Gen Z's unhinged humour. The Cap emoji is used for calling out lies or "capping," similar to "no cap" meaning "no lie". The combination of two eyes and lips emoji means shock, awkwardness, or to say "did that just happen?". Gen Zs use the Peach emoji for a flirty compliment or "you're looking fine". The Eggplant emoji is not just an eggplant; it is used for spicy or NSFW content. Also, the Eyes emoji doesn't just mean watching or paying attention; it is often used when sending or receiving nudes. The Pile Of Poo emoji is used to call out immaturity or childish behaviour, and the Grimacing Face is used to express awkwardness or embarrassment. Emojis like thumbs up and laugh-cry can be perceived as passive-aggressive or insincere by Gen Z, while older generations use them to show approval or laughter. However, it's essential to consider the context and audience when using emojis as slang. Different generations or cultures might interpret emojis differently, and some may find them confusing or unprofessional. Overall, emojis have become an integral part of online language, allowing users to convey emotions and ideas in a creative and visually appealing way. By understanding the meanings behind popular emojis, individuals can enhance their digital communication and connect with others more effectively.

Courier-Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
The 'Gen Z stare' isn't for the reason you think
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. As one of the current youngest generations, Gen Z tends to cop a lot of flack from their elders (Gen Alpha, they'll be coming for you soon too, I promise). Currently, all everyone is going on about is the newest TikTok buzz word: the Gen Z stare. But, despite the accusations, Gen Z is here to confirm it's not being done for the reason you might think. Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. Image: TikTok / @madylamb, @ RELATED: Damaging TikTok trend shows how desperate millennials are What is the Gen Z stare? The 'Gen Z stare' refers to a blank, vacant look millennials and Gen X-ers claim Gen Z gives in lieu of a proper greeting or response, particularly when they're shocked or confused. This look is said to be seen primarily in hospitality and retail workers, and has been blamed on just about everything - a lack of social skills, stunting due to the pandemic, and general fear of speaking to people in-person instead of on our phones. But, regardless of context, it's being perceived in just one way. Gen Z-ers are rude, entitled, and are looking to cause problems - when instead they could just be polite. Gen Z fights back In true Gen Z fashion, Gen Z'ers themselves have come out in droves to fight back on the claims. For many, the response has been exposing the main reason many people in customer facing roles can't answer your question - it's so stupid, they don't even know where to start. Let's be real, there's only so many ways you can explain to someone that you don't have something in the back, without actually taking them there to see the tiny room filled with coat hangers and empty plastic bags for themselves. TikTok creator Mady Lamb laid this out perfectly in her now-viral video, with over 12 million views. 'Does the strawberry banana smoothie have banana in it?' the customer in the skit asks. 'Yes, the strawberry banana smoothie does have banana in it unfortunately,' she responds - after a brief pause. And, @ did the same.'She's flipping through the menu and says, 'Can you give me some suggestions?' and I'm like 'Yeah girl, I got you… I really like the barbeque ribs',' she said, retelling what had happened at her job. 'She goes, 'I don't eat red meat'. Okay? How the f*ck was I supposed to know that?' Cut them some slack Gen Z has long been considered a disruptive generation. No longer are they accepting that you have to 'respect your elders' - and if your elders are wrong, is that really such a bad thing? As someone who worked in retail and as a receptionist in my teens, I've copped firsthand a wide range of ridiculous queries, including 'What size is my daughter?' (who I don't know), and I bet I had a bit of a blank face trying to conjure up what to say. But, if you're still not convinced and are still wondering why a Gen Z-er is staring at you over a seemingly normal question, maybe it's worth digging a little deeper into why that might be. Gen Z has had a hugely different upbringing to the generations prior to them, as the first to be brought up with technology so tightly intertwined into everyday life, and a pandemic right in the middle of some of their most fundamental years of growth. Gens X and Y - you did bring them up, remember? And, recall that when you were in your teens and early 20s, no matter when that was, chances are those older than you were picking on you for everything, too. So, cut Gen Z some slack. K? Originally published as The 'Gen Z stare' isn't for the reason you think
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
IYKYK: Here Are the Popular Teen 'Texting Codes' Every Parent Should Know
Millennial parents are no strangers to acronyms. In fact, Millennials and Gen Xers are credited with making "LOL" (laughing out loud) so popular on instant messenger, that it eventually earned a spot in the Oxford English Dictionary in 2011. [1] (Take that, Gen Alpha!) But even with their impressive acronym cred, parents of today's teens are finding their kids texting in a mix of letters and words that may as well be an entirely different language. (IYKYK, am I right?) And while most of the acronyms are harmless, some forms of messaging are not. Specifically, 'texting codes' can signal cases of cyberbullying and serious mental health concerns in teens. Acronyms vs. 'Texting Codes' While an acronym is the first letter of each word in a phrase, Titania Jordan, Chief Parent Officer of online safety company Bark Technologies explains texting codes as a combination of acronyms, characters, words, and even emojis that represent hidden meanings. As a result, texting codes can be much harder for parents to understand—which unfortunately is exactly the point. 'Acronyms are [used] for ease of typing, as it's just quicker to tap out 'ILY' instead of 'I love you,'' Jordan says. 'Text codes are different. They can be used to cover your tracks in case someone is monitoring your messages.' Because texting codes are meant to look like harmless symbols or slang words, parents are more likely to overlook them. For example, parents may not be aware that '🍃' is code for "marijuana", or 'seggs' is a code word for "sex". With that said, the use of codes can also simply be a way kids choose to connect, explains Erin Walsh, author of It's Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence and co-founder of Spark & Stitch Institute. 'Texting codes certainly can be used to avoid adult detection of risky behaviors,' Walsh says. 'But they can also just be shorthand ways for young people to build connections with friends and demonstrate belonging to a group.' Popular Acronyms and Meanings New acronyms pop up every day, according to Jordan, but here are some of the most common ones used by kids: BRB - "Be right back" BTW - "By the way" FOMO - "Fear of missing out" GOAT - "Greatest of all time" GTG - "Got to go" GR8 - "Great" IMO - "In my opinion" ISO - "In search of" IYKYK - 'If you know you know' (meant to imply that there's an inside joke) ILY - "I love you" IRL - "In real life" JK - "Just kidding" KMS - "Kill myself" KYS - "Kill yourself" L8R - "Later" LMAO - "Laughing my ass off" LOL - "Laugh(ing) out loud" NP - "No problem" OMW - "On my way" OFC - 'Of course' ROTF - 'Rolling on the floor' (typically in laughter) SMH - 'Shaking my head' ('I don't believe it' or 'that's so dumb') STFU - "Shut the f**k up" TBH - "To be honest" TYVM - "Thank you very much" WYD - "What you doing?" WTF - "What the f**k?" WYA - "Where you at?" WYD - "What you doing?" WUF - "Where you from?" Popular Texting Codes and Meanings These code-like acronyms have underlying meanings that kids may want to keep hidden: ASL - "Age/sex/location" CD9 or Code 9 - "Parents are around" DTF - "Down to f*ck" FBOI - "F*ck boy" (or a guy just looking for sex) FWB - "Friends with benefits" LMIRL - "Let's meet in real life" NP4NP - "Naked pic for naked pic" POS - "Parent over shoulder" TDTM - "Talk dirty to me" Concerning Texting Codes Parents Should Never Ignore Experts agree the rise of acronyms and codes that refer to self harm or mental health struggles is alarming, and they should be taken seriously. In fact, the latest research suggests that social media codes can be used to identify tweens and teens at risk for suicide, which makes it critical for parents to be able to spot concerning conversations. [2] According to Jordan, these are the codes that should raise immediate red flags if you see them appear in any inappropriate social media posts involving your teen: KMS - "Kill myself" KYS - "Kill yourself" STFU - "Shut the f**k up" Unalive - "Kill" or "dead" Sewerslide - "Suicide" Grippy sock vacation - "A stay in a psychiatric treatment facility" - "mental breakdown" I had pasta tonight - "I had suicidal thoughts" I finished my shampoo and conditioner at the same time - "I'm having suicidal thoughts" 'If someone's commenting 'KYS' on your child's Instagram or texting it to them, it's potentially a sign of bullying,' Jordan warns. 'It could be causing negative effects on their sense of self-worth and their mental health.' STFU ("shut the f*ck up") can be used as an expression of disbelief between friends, but it can also signal cyberbullying when used publicly on social media. How to Support Your Teen Experts give the caveat that simply knowing what these codes mean doesn't always reveal the context in which they're being used. 'A single acronym or code rarely tells the whole story,' Welch says. For example, 'KMS' can signal serious suicidal ideation, but it's also used to describe trivial moments of embarrassment or annoyance in personal text exchanges. Welch emphasizes continued communication will help you discern between a cause for concern and simply a need for some digital-age skill-building. She suggests the following: Don't assume the worst. Ask your child for an explanation or background of what you've seen before you launch into a lecture. 'It is okay for there to be long silences as your child sorts through their feelings about online interactions,' Welch says. Their reflection will shed the best light on the meaning behind what you've seen. Avoid becoming a 'spy.' "A quick 'Gotcha!' reaction to concerning acronyms or codes can create confusion, increase conflict, and may even encourage more secrecy as teens try to avoid adult surveillance and punishment," Welch says. Let your child know you're there to help. Receiving text codes related to self harm or suicide can raise a host of difficult questions for teens, Welch says. For example, 'Is my friend serious?' 'Should I talk to someone about this?' or 'What should I do next?' Reassuring your child that you are there to support them will foster honest conversations to determine next steps. Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword