美国山海经，赛博时代的新型怪谈

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of abstract and surreal content on social media, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of "Italian Brainrot Animals," which are AI-generated absurd images that have gained significant popularity online [4][11][21]. Group 1: Overview of "Italian Brainrot Animals" - "Italian Brainrot Animals" refers to bizarre, AI-generated creatures that combine elements of surrealism, including animals, everyday objects, and imaginative components, often presented with Italian-themed names and voiceovers [11][21]. - The most popular character, Tung Tung Tung Sahur, has garnered over 7.4 million views and 5 million likes on TikTok, indicating a strong engagement with this content [11][12]. - The trend has also permeated into various forms of media, including YouTube, where numerous derivative videos have emerged, showcasing the character in various humorous scenarios [12][16]. Group 2: Cultural and Psychological Implications - The creation of these brainrot animals reflects a blend of existing cultural myths and urban legends, with their absurdity drawing on elements of horror and folklore [21][23]. - The phenomenon taps into the "uncanny valley" theory, where human-like features in non-human entities evoke discomfort and fear, contributing to the eerie appeal of these creatures [51][78]. - The article suggests that the rapid generation of such content by AI raises questions about authenticity and the nature of creativity, as these images lack deeper meaning or thought processes [70][72]. Group 3: Social Media Dynamics - The article highlights how social media platforms have transformed the way urban legends and horror stories are disseminated, moving from traditional storytelling to AI-generated content that can spread rapidly [55][80]. - The phenomenon of brainrot animals exemplifies a new form of internet culture where absurdity and randomness dominate, leading to a unique blend of entertainment and potential misinformation [86][90]. - The engagement with these characters often leads to a disconnect between the audience's understanding of the content and the underlying messages, creating a space for both humor and darker interpretations [85][88].