Welcome To The Internet

Bo Burnham's 'Welcome To The Internet' is a satirical and critical take on the overwhelming and often dark nature of the internet. The song, part of Burnham's comedy special 'Inside', serves as a commentary on how the internet has evolved into a space where virtually anything is accessible, regardless of how enlightening or depraved it may be. Burnham personifies the internet, inviting the listener to explore its vastness with a tone that is both welcoming and sinister.

The lyrics juxtapose the mundane with the macabre, highlighting the internet's ability to serve up content that ranges from the innocuous, like pasta straining tips, to the horrific, such as images of violence. This contrast is used to illustrate the desensitization and moral ambiguity that can come with constant exposure to such a wide array of stimuli. Burnham also touches on the performative and often toxic aspects of online culture, where users can oscillate between activism and hate speech, oversharing personal details, and engaging in harmful behaviors under the guise of anonymity.

The song crescendos with a repeated refrain that offers 'everything all of the time,' encapsulating the relentless nature of the internet's lure and the societal pressure to be constantly entertained. Burnham's work often explores themes of mental health and the impact of social media, and 'Welcome To The Internet' is no exception. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of our digital lives, where apathy and boredom are seen as the greatest sins, and the quest for constant engagement can lead to a loss of self.