1. The Ice Bucket Challenge
What It Was
The Ice Bucket Challenge became a social media phenomenon in the summer of 2014. Participants were dared to dump a bucket of ice water over their heads and then challenge others to do the same, all to raise awareness and funds for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) research.
Viral Impact
Celebrities from Lady Gaga to Mark Zuckerberg got involved, contributing to a massive surge in donations. The challenge raised over $220 million for ALS research while driving more than 2.4 million new donors to the ALS Association. Its impact reached far beyond social media, sparking conversations about a disease that many knew little about.
2. The Dress Debacle
The Color Controversy
In February of 2015, a photo of a dress ignited a global debate that captivated millions. People were divided on whether the dress was blue and black or white and gold.
Psychology of Perception
What made this moment so unique was the science behind our individual perceptions of color. The internet was flooded with memes, discussions, and even scientific explanations, showcasing how people’s brains interpreted colors differently. This phenomenon led to widespread discussions on social media about perception, lighting, and the nature of reality.
3. Chewbacca Mom
The Viral Video
In 2016, Candace Payne, a Texas mom, went viral after uploading a Facebook Live video of herself wearing a Chewbacca mask and laughing uncontrollably.
The Joy Factor
Her genuine happiness and playful spirit struck a chord with viewers around the world, leading to millions of views and shares. She was even invited to appear on talk shows and met her idol, Peter Mayhew, the actor who played Chewbacca. The moment served as a reminder of the simple joys that can brighten our days and became a symbol of joy in the digital age.
4. Salt Bae Shakes Up the Internet
The Culinary Scene
In January 2017, Nusret Gökçe, a Turkish chef widely known as Salt Bae, took the internet by storm with his flamboyant and theatrical way of seasoning food. A video of him sprinkling salt over a perfectly cooked steak went viral instantly.
Impact on Food Culture
His unique style and charisma turned him into a global celebrity overnight. He opened multiple steakhouses around the world, capitalizing on his newfound fame. Salt Bae not only became a trend in culinary culture but also influenced various social media trends centered around food presentation.
5. Yanny or Laurel?
The Audio Debate
In May 2018, a seemingly simple audio clip became the source of a heated online debate. The audio sample had listeners divided between hearing the words “Yanny” or “Laurel.”
Shared Experience
Like “The Dress,” this audio phenomenon brought people together as they rushed to social media to express their views. The viral moment sparked discussions about audio perception and highlighted the subjective nature of how we perceive sound. This phenomenon also led to various humorous memes and parodies circulating across different platforms.
6. Baby Shark Doo Doo Doo
The Children’s Tune
Originally released in 2016, “Baby Shark” became a global sensation in 2019, particularly among children and parents. The catchy tune and simple, repetitive lyrics led to its wild popularity on platforms like YouTube.
Longevity of its Fame
The song was so successful that it became the most-watched video on YouTube, surpassing even iconic music videos. Its infectious nature created not just a viral song but also a dance challenge, leading it to be featured in everything from birthday parties to social media posts.
7. The Gorilla Glue Girl
The Hair Incident
In early 2021, Tessica Brown gained massive attention after she mistakenly used Gorilla Glue on her hair, thinking it was a hair gel. Her plea for help quickly escalated into a viral moment as she documented her ordeal on TikTok.
The Reaction
While many found humor in the incident, it also sparked discussions about beauty standards and the lengths some go to maintain them. Tessica garnered a massive following, leading to support from celebrities and even a medical professional coming to her aid.
8. The TikTok Sea Shanty Craze
A Musical Resurrection
In early 2021, a trend of sea shanties swept through TikTok, largely ignited by a video from Nathan Evans. His rendition of the sea shanty “Wellerman” captured the hearts of many, leading to a collaboration of duets and remixes.
Impact on Music Culture
The viral trend breathed new life into the genre, showcasing how even old musical styles could find their way back into popular culture through social media. This moment highlighted how collective creativity could produce a new wave of engagement in the music industry.
9. Will Smith vs. Chris Rock
The Oscars Incident
At the 2022 Academy Awards, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, which is a result of her struggle with alopecia. This unscripted moment caught everyone off guard and immediately went viral.
Aftermath and Impact
The incident led to an array of discussions around humor, boundaries, celebrity conduct, and domestic relationships. It sparked countless memes, think pieces, and debates across social media platforms, further amplifying its impact on pop culture.
10. The Overly Attached Girlfriend
The Birth of a Meme
In 2012, a young woman named Laina Morris uploaded a parody love song video in which she portrayed the “Overly Attached Girlfriend.” The video went viral, and Laina’s character became an internet meme representing a clingy partner.
Cultural Significance
The meme took on a life of its own, manifesting in countless adaptations and discussions about relationships and internet humor. It served as an example of how quickly a single character can become a symbol in online culture, evolving into a broader commentary on societal norms surrounding dating.