Dystopian Gen Alpha Trend: Investigating the Shift from Cognitive Decay to Michael Bay Blockbusters
The YouTube series Skibidi Toilet, created by Georgian animator Alexey Gerasimov under the moniker DaFuq!?Boom!, has taken the internet by storm since its inception in February 2023. With over 132 million views on the first video, the series has grown to encompass 69 episodes and boasts a global audience primarily composed of Generation Alpha (those under 10 years old).
Skibidi Toilet is a unique blend of experimental absurdist digital animation and a comedic yet violent narrative style that has resonated with young viewers. The series features a battle between human-headed toilets, or 'Skibidi' toilets, and humanoids with CCTV cameras, speakers, and televisions for heads. The videos are set to a remix of 'Give It To Me' by Timbaland and 'Dom Dom Yes Yes' by Biser King, creating an infectious soundtrack that adds to the series' appeal.
Culturally, Skibidi Toilet has become a significant internet subculture. It has spawned countless memes, reaction videos, and fan-made continuations. Its rapid rise and cultural impact have drawn attention from major entertainment figures, such as Michael Bay and veteran producer Adam Goodman, who see potential in Skibidi Toilet evolving into a major film and TV franchise, comparable to Transformers or Marvel universes.
The success of Skibidi Toilet has also led to the creation of merchandise, with items available in mainstream retail stores like Walmart, demonstrating its crossover from digital to physical culture. The term "Skibidi" has even evolved into a Gen Alpha term for 'cool', 'dumb', or 'bad', allegedly introduced to popular culture by Russian rave band Little Big in 2018.
However, the series has not been without controversy. In 2024, a police investigation was initiated due to concerns about its potential detrimental effect on children. The investigation was prompted by an appeal from a Moscow resident. Despite this, the series continues to captivate audiences and inspire creativity, with Skibidi Toilet-inspired memes, video games, and Roblox recreations across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Michael Bay and Adam Goodman have announced plans to develop a Skibidi Toilet cinematic universe, aiming to create a universe as successful as the Transformers or Marvel universes. The style of the cinematic universe is likened to John Wick and District 9. With the success of the franchise, there is potential for a cinematic universe based on the Gnomes vs Knights trend to follow.
The series' creator, Alexey Gerasimov, has since released full-fledged seasons of the series with assets taken from video games like Half-Life 2 and Counter-Strike: Source. Skibidi Toilet's roots can be traced back to nonsensical YouTube Poop and old SFM videos that Gen Zers grew up with. The series' worst manifestation among Gen Alpha involves them crawling into boxes and mumbling along to the remix. It has also spawned a Wattpad genre with works like "Robot love (Cameraman x TV Woman)" and "Maybe we aren't different after All".
As the Skibidi Toilet phenomenon continues to grow, it remains to be seen how this viral sensation will evolve in the entertainment industry. Whether it becomes a major film and TV franchise or continues to thrive as an internet subculture, one thing is certain: Skibidi Toilet has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
- The viral success of Skibidi Toilet has extended its reach beyond digital platforms, with its catchy soundtrack and unique narrative resonating in the realm of pop-culture.
- The influence of Skibidi Toilet has permeated not only the entertainment industry but also everyday language, as the term "Skibidi" has been adopted by Generation Alpha to express coolness, dumbness, or badness.
