Let’s switch things up and start straight with today’s brain teaser, brought to you from the 8th level of brain rot hell - TikTok!

An answer, as usual, at the end.

If you’re new here, don’t forget to:

The Word of the Year: Brain Rot

Fun fact: if your first instinct was to say “Umm, Matei, I’ll have you know Brain Rot is actually two words” I am now legally allowed to hit you!

I don’t make the rules, except when I do.

The next part of the Lateral Thinking newsletter will be written in Brain Rot - brought to you by BrainRot.ing.

Omg, like, so I was deep-diving into this whole brain rot thing, right? And suddenly, BOOM—full-on epiphany vibes. Like, I get it now. People just wanna vibe, y’know? Like, shut the brain off, no thoughts, just ✨dumb✨. Simpler times, dumber times, happy brain go brrr.

Yup, you guessed it, besties. This right here? Certified brain rot™. Tragic? Maybe. Essential? Absolutely. Why? ’Cause, like, we gotta speak the same “ugh, duh” language as the people we’re trying to vibe with. If your whole life is just complicated stressy depressy energy 24/7, you’re gonna straight-up adore when someone spoon-feeds you the dumbed-down version. It’s like a lil brain vacation. 😌✨

But if you’re someone who wants something grander in their life, you’ll likely enjoy when things are more pompous, more grand, more serious.

Here’s the exact same thing I said before, in brain-rot, translated to… brain-organic-free-range-vegan-no-gluten™?

As I explored the depths of the brain rot phenomenon, a profound realization struck me. It embodies the allure of simplicity—a longing for unburdened, uncomplicated times. There’s a certain elegance in shedding complexity, a nostalgia for clarity.

Indeed, what you’re reading now is an example of so-called “brain rot.” Regrettable? Perhaps. Necessary? Undoubtedly. To reach others effectively, we must meet them where they are. For those overwhelmed by life’s intricacies, a simplified narrative offers a welcome reprieve—a rare moment of mental ease.

Both versions are extreme. But the one that you find more bearable says a lot about you.

That does not mean that the fact that a trend like brain rot exists isn’t problematic. It definitely is, with some people saying it’s the effect of consuming massive amounts of digital entertainment.

To be fair, others say there’s little correlation between the two.

Regardless of your opinion, I suggest you try to follow this insight and see if it stands true:

• Do people who overexert themselves intellectually tend to appreciate it when things are silly, stupid?

• Do people who don’t get the chance to exert themselves intellectually as much prefer convoluted explanations and wording?

In my experience, that seems to be the case. And knowing this will let you know when and how to adapt your speech to the right audience.

HOPE Y’ALL CRUSH IT OUT THERE TODAY. 💯🔥🦁

I totally almost forgot the answer:

If you were convinced picking the red pill was the right answer, it’s very likely you’ve spent too much time in a bad internet neighborhood.