Why is Gen Z Humor So Absurd?

Summary

The video explores Generation Z's unique sense of humor and how internet culture influences their behavior and creativity. It discusses how Gen Z’s humor often subverts norms, embracing irony, absurdity, and low-quality content for comedic effect. The video also highlights the impact of platforms like TikTok, where imitation and oversaturation lead to a mix of creativity and 'trash.' It touches on the fear of public shaming, introversion, and how internet trends quickly evolve, creating a culture of rejection and reinvention. Overall, it paints a picture of a generation that thrives on change and challenges societal expectations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gen Z humor is characterized by irony, low-quality content, and subverting traditional comedic norms.
• 😀 Memes and trends on TikTok thrive through remixing and copying, which contributes to oversaturation on the platform.
• 😀 Gen Z faces immense pressure from online bullying and judgment, leading to increased self-consciousness and introversion.
• 😀 Cancel culture is often seen as a form of publicity, benefiting those who manage to navigate it like celebrities such as Dave Chappelle.
• 😀 Social media platforms like TikTok encourage content replication, making it a space for constantly recycling trends.
• 😀 TikTok’s format facilitates viral trends, but also contributes to an overwhelming amount of repetitive content.
• 😀 Vine, as an earlier platform, was less saturated with repetitive content and had a more organic, creative atmosphere.
• 😀 The constant fear of rejection on social media has caused Gen Z to seek new ways of expressing themselves, often through distorted audio or absurd punchlines.
• 😀 Low-quality and nonsensical content is intentionally funny to Gen Z as a way of rejecting mainstream comedic norms.
• 😀 Gen Z's humor thrives on the idea that if something is popular, it’s no longer funny, and if it was once funny, it can be hilarious again.
• 😀 The saturation of content on platforms like TikTok means that only the best content rises to the top, while the rest is forgotten or overshadowed.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the video?

The central theme of the video revolves around Generation Z's unique approach to humor, internet culture, and societal pressures. The speaker examines how Gen Z has developed new ways of expressing rebellion and coping with the pressures of online life, including humor that subverts traditional norms.

Why does the speaker mention the concept of 'low quality equals funny'?

'Low quality equals funny' refers to a trend where Gen Z finds humor in content that is intentionally subpar or distorted. This is seen as a way to subvert traditional comedic norms and create something fresh and ironically funny, often as a form of rebellion against mainstream media.

What role does the internet play in Gen Z's humor, according to the speaker?

The internet plays a major role in shaping Gen Z's humor. The speaker highlights how platforms like TikTok encourage the remixing and copying of content, which leads to oversaturation of memes and trends. However, this environment also fosters new, often absurd forms of humor that are specific to the digital age.

What is the significance of 'bullying' in the video?

Bullying is discussed in a nuanced way. The speaker criticizes internet bullying but also humorously suggests that politicians and those in power are fair game. The main idea is that internet engagement, even negative comments, can contribute to visibility and publicity, albeit with caution regarding threats or harassment.

How does the speaker contrast TikTok and Vine?

The speaker contrasts TikTok and Vine by suggesting that Vine had more creativity, largely because it was the first of its kind. TikTok, on the other hand, has built-in functionalities that encourage copying and remixing, which has led to oversaturation of content. Vine was seen as more organic and less saturated in comparison.

What does the speaker mean by 'cancelling' being a benefit for some celebrities?

The speaker suggests that for some celebrities, like Dave Chappelle, being 'cancelled' actually increases their relevance and publicity. The idea is that 'cancelling' can backfire and end up boosting the celebrity’s visibility and career, which is why 'cancelling' doesn't have the same impact it once did.

Why does the speaker claim Gen Z humor is 'constantly changing and hating things'?

The speaker claims that Gen Z constantly changes and hates things as a way to maintain a sense of individuality and resistance to conformity. This tendency is driven by a desire to be different and to reject what is considered mainstream or outdated, resulting in a dynamic and evolving sense of humor.

What does the speaker mean by 'nothing Gen Z likes more than changing and hating things'?

This phrase reflects the idea that Gen Z thrives on rejecting past trends and embracing new ones. It's a hallmark of their approach to humor and culture: constantly evolving and finding new ways to be 'different' or subvert expectations.

How does the speaker view the comments section of platforms like TikTok?

The speaker views the comments section of platforms like TikTok as a chaotic space where negativity, trolling, and absurdity often thrive. Despite the harmful nature of some comments, the speaker acknowledges that they still generate engagement, which can be beneficial for visibility, even if the engagement is negative.

What conclusion does the speaker draw about Gen Z's humor and internet culture?

The speaker concludes that Gen Z’s humor is marked by subversion of traditional comedic norms, a constant desire for change, and a tendency to find humor in what others might consider 'low quality.' This reflects a generation that is highly influenced by internet culture, where trends rapidly evolve and new forms of expression constantly emerge.