Rico Explains: Making Sense of Internet-Speak

We hear you, parents. It’s tough out there for us 80s and 90s kids. Everyday as we do the mandatory scroll through our phones or have an after-dinner convo with our children, something new pops up and makes us go, “Huh?!” 

Is the internet always supposed to make sense? Probably not. But can we achieve a better understanding of the chronically online realities our kids have inherited? Definitely. 

And that’s what Rico’s here to explain. 

In our video series Rico Explains, our in-house gaming, tech and pop culture expert Rico breaks down (the sometimes intimidating) internet and tech worlds into digestible, bite-sized info. 

Watch the series on our Instagram, YouTube or TikTok.

For our kids, the internet is what TV was for us; a place where popular culture defining an entire generation is born. It sure would be nice to just get where the little ones are coming from without having to Google it five minutes later, y’know?

So when our children are watching random YouTubers unbox their new washing machine, following viral trends like eating pudding with a fork or asking us to buy them digital coins for a new virtual apartment in their video game, it will all hopefully start to make sense to us. ‘Cause Rico will have filled us in already.  

Who is Rico?

Rico — or Dr. Kenneth (Rico) Norwood — is a researcher and professor of video games and media. Their work has been featured in publications like TechRadar, Wired Magazine and PinkNews. 

For them, Rico Explains is an opportunity to use their expertise as a walking-talking online culture encyclopaedia to “build a bridge between guardians and the unknown world of the web today.” 

They’ll basically act as the “I got you” to our “SOS, I need help translating my child’s confusing internet vocab.”

Making the internet make sense — Stuff Rico’s explained 

🔗 Streaming Culture: Streamers are the new superstars of the web, but parents may need a little 101 on the “who’s who” and “what’s what” of this rising online phenomenon. 

🔗 In-Game Currency: The days of begging our parents for cash to go to the arcade are long gone. Rico shares tips on keeping our kids’ in-game spending mindful and minimal, so the advertising lords don’t make them overdo it.

🔗 Brain Rot: Let's admit it, we’ve all fallen victim to doomscrolling. We’ll explore how to make the most out of the plethora of online content out there without oversaturating our minds. Or brainrotting, as the kids say.

🔗 Game Rating Systems: Seasoned gamers know age-appropriate games like the back of their hand, but which vetting systems can help guardians of mini-gamers also stay in the loop? 

🔗 Misinformation: The online world has a lot of noise, and some of it’s honestly better drowned out. Staying alert to misinformation and prioritising fact-checking are great habits for parents to share with their children.

🔗 Challenge Culture: Whether it's consuming laundry detergent (don’t ask) or wholesome dance choreographies, Rico gives us the lowdown on viral online challenges and how to help our little ones balance fun with safety. 

🔗 Esports: Wait what, our children can now become professional digital athletes? Oh yes, friends, oh yes. Don’t worry though, Rico’s gonna explain it all.

🔗 Pokémon: Well, it’s Pokémon. No explanations needed here. 

Perhaps the most rewarding form of parenting lies in becoming our kids’ best friends. And when we make an effort to learn about the virtual subcultures shaping their lives, we can finally match their vibe. When the vibe’s right, the friendship just thrives, right?