The internet’s influence on the youth of this generation creates a volatile culture that thrives on conflict and consumerism. Big named media producers push ill-natured behaviors and slang onto impressionable adolescents creating a dim future for basic morals.
“He was a bit of a brat even before internet access, but since acquiring it, it has enhanced his negative behaviors. Frequently, he would curse while playing on his VR headset. Whenever I walk into the loft, where he’s normally stationed, he will have brain rotting YouTube videos playing on the TV while also watching videos on his tablet as well. Internet access made him more aggressive and sensitive to things around him.” said senior Cam Piotrowicz, in the context of an eight-year-old brother.
The effects the internet has on young children completely warp the world around them, creating an over dependence on entertainment media. Lack of better judgment and impressionable minds condition worse behavior in the children exposed to the internet without restriction or surveillance.
“I love you guys to the fullest, you guys are amazing, the love from home base is real. Please be safe,” said Kai Cenat, a widely popular streamer.
Context of the quote above was the response post-disaster of Aug. 4, 2023, in which Kai Cenat was charged with inciting a riot in New York City. In this situation, 25+ juveniles were arrested and more were injured (credit to The Verge).The overall behavior of his fan base created an out-of-control gathering in what was originally planned to be a physical giveaway of merchandise (PS5s and gift cards).
Kai Cenat and associates like Fanum, another popular streamer, is credited for creating popular lingo, such as: “gyatt,” “rizz,” and “fanum tax.” Specifically the word, “gyatt,” encouraged the ogling and harassment of primarily females, as the term refers to the buttocks of a person. Becoming a widely normalized term among juveniles, including younger audiences as well, this allows a toxic culture based around harassment and objectification of individuals.
Awareness of what behaviors you can unintentionally pick up from the internet is important so as to not feed into the growing epidemic of the internet leaking into average daily scenarios.
