Cheugiest Tech Moments of 2021

The Year in Tech Cringe: A 2021 Retrospective

Technological advancements in 2021 were significant. We witnessed the broad implementation of mRNA vaccines, a mission designed to deflect asteroids, and the release of a remarkably powerful laptop featuring a divisive display notch. However, reflecting on the year’s most awkward moments often proves easier than recalling triumphs like indoor farming robotics.

Therefore, let us embark on a journey through the landscape of “cheugy” trends. This isn’t solely a compilation of statements made by Elon Musk throughout 2021, we assure you.

Facebook Rebrands as Meta

The most prominent and arguably most absurd rebrand of the year belonged to Facebook. The globally recognized name was altered to Meta, ostensibly to divert attention from consistently problematic decisions and the lasting damage inflicted on numerous individuals concentrate on the “metaverse,” a concept largely unsolicited and unwanted, particularly from Facebook.

Block: A Rebrand That Grinds Gears

Meta wasn’t the sole company to engage in a self-referential rebrand this year. Introducing Block, formerly known as Square, initially celebrated as a champion for small businesses with its distinctive square-shaped card readers. Now, the company is venturing into blockchain technology with its new identity. However, Block’s ambitions extend beyond blockchain, encompassing references to block parties, building codes, overcoming obstacles, and even “tungsten cubes.” Interestingly, H&R Block has initiated legal action against Block for trademark infringement, citing similarities in name, logo design, and color scheme. This is particularly relevant as H&R Block also provides accounting services to SMBs, mobile banking, and other fintech solutions, mirroring Square’s… or rather, Block’s, offerings. It remains to be seen which entity will concede or reach a settlement.

Saturday Night Live and Elon Musk

Image Credits: Bloomberg (opens in a new window) / Getty Images

Elon Musk himself articulated the situation best during his portrayal of a doctor in a Gen Z Hospital skit: “You all might want to sit down, what I have to say might be a little cringe.” Despite captivating a substantial following with promises of wealth, his appearance on Saturday Night Live proved underwhelming. He lacked comedic timing and stage presence, resulting in a lackluster and awkward performance. One is left to question the basis for his celebrity status and influence.

The NFT Gold Rush and Regrettable Implementations

The surge in NFT popularity prompted some otherwise astute individuals to explore questionable applications. Numerous companies announced NFT-related projects, including tokenizing fan fiction, in-game items, and Discord features. Failing to gauge the widespread skepticism surrounding this nascent technology, these companies swiftly reversed course, often within hours of announcements. A simple inquiry would have revealed the inherent risks; perhaps seeking input next time would be prudent.

Bezos’s Tone-Deaf Gratitude

Image Credits: Joe Raedle / Getty Images

The excessive self-promotion surrounding Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic’s initial spaceflights became tiresome. While there was some satisfaction in seeing Branson’s company grounded due to questionable practices and Bezos ridiculed for his tamales and oversized hat, the most jarring moment was Bezos’s insensitive expression of gratitude to those who funded his personal ambition through their purchases from his ethically questionable mega-corporation. “I want to thank every Amazon employee, and every Amazon customer, because you guys paid for all this.” The sincerity of this statement is questionable, making it all the more problematic. (And let us not forget the poor cowboy hat, forever tarnished by association with Bezos.)

Blue Origin’s Lawsuit Delays Lunar Landing

Following a loss in the Human Landing System contract to SpaceX, Blue Origin filed a lawsuit against NASA, alleging irregularities. The claims were swiftly dismissed, resulting in embarrassment for the company and a postponement of the planned 2024 crewed lunar landing to 2025. While a delay was anticipated, Blue Origin inadvertently became a scapegoat. This incident may have irrevocably damaged its relationship with NASA, a critical source of funding.

OnlyFans’ Brief Ban and Swift Reversal

OnlyFans is well-known for its platform allowing content creators, including sex workers, to monetize their work. The platform unexpectedly announced a ban on such content, jeopardizing the livelihoods of its most valuable users. The ensuing backlash was immediate and severe, prompting a reversal of the decision within a week, attributed unconvincingly to banking concerns. It’s crucial not to undermine the source of one’s income, unless consent is explicitly given.

From the Desk of Donald J. Trump: A Fleeting Venture

Donald Trump’s complex relationship with social media is a topic for another discussion. However, his short-lived “social” platform, From The Desk of Donald J. Trump, deserves mention. This rudimentary microblog emerged after his removal from major social networks but lacked functionality and traction, lasting only a month before being discontinued. This paved the way for the development of Truth Social, and ultimately, a desperate-looking pitch deck and SPAC offering later in the year.

Senator Blumenthal’s Question About “Finstas”

Frances Haugen, the Facebook whistleblower, leaked thousands of internal documents revealing Instagram’s awareness of its negative impact on teenage girls. During a Senate hearing on children’s internet safety, Facebook Global Head of Security Antigone Davis was questioned by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a 75-year-old.

“Will you commit to ending finsta?” he inquired.

“Senator, let me explain. We don’t actually do finsta. What finsta refers to is young people setting up accounts where they may want to have more privacy,” Davis patiently responded.

Facebook’s Leaked Benefits Enrollment Video

Working at Facebook – or Meta – can be challenging, especially during periods of negative publicity. However, navigating the benefits enrollment process presents its own difficulties. The leaked video showcasing Facebook’s benefits is particularly noteworthy, featuring choreographed dancing. While Facebook likely offers comprehensive benefits, the inclusion of such elaborate choreography raises questions about its necessity.

NFTs and the Illusion of Exclusivity

The Bored Ape Yacht Club, often likened to a fraternity for Coinbase enthusiasts, requires a $210,000 NFT purchase for membership. While celebrities like Jimmy Fallon, Steph Curry, and Post Malone are members, the exclusivity is questionable. Access to exclusive events is a key benefit, but journalist Adlan Jackson discovered a loophole. He gained access to a Bored Ape party using a screenshot of a QR code, only to be initially denied entry due to a missing wristband. Later, he was simply allowed in without any verification. This undermines the concept of exclusivity.

The GameStop Saga Continues

The GameStop phenomenon, fueled by memestock hype, defied expectations. The company, facing potential obsolescence, was revitalized by a wave of speculative trading. This raised questions about market manipulation and the power dynamics between traders and institutions. While it’s regrettable to see individuals manipulated, it’s understandable why those who invested felt disenfranchised. No one emerged unscathed from this saga, and its final chapter remains unwritten.

Spotify Wrapped: A Case of “Cheuginess”

Sharing your Spotify Wrapped year-end summary has become a ubiquitous practice, essentially providing free advertising for Spotify. However, the copywriting employed in Wrapped felt contrived, as if penned by a middle-aged marketing professional attempting to emulate Gen Z slang. Spotify’s collaboration with an aura reader, Mystic Michaela, further contributed to this “cheugy” aesthetic. The resulting phrases included: “There was one podcast that lived in your head, rent-free, all year long,” “You always understood the assignment,” “While everyone else was trying to figure out NFTs were, you had one song on repeat,” and “You deserve a playlist as long as your skincare routine.”

Elizabeth Holmes’s Unexpected Fanbase

The trial of Elizabeth Holmes, former Theranos founder and CEO, captivated public attention for over four months. Surprisingly, fans dressed as Holmes appeared on the first day of the trial. The costume, consisting of a black turtleneck, red lipstick, and a low ponytail, was easily replicable. These cosplayers genuinely admired Holmes, despite the allegations of criminal fraud and endangering public health through inaccurate blood tests.

LinkedIn’s Embrace of Short-Form Video

Virtually every social and entertainment platform is integrating vertically oriented short-form video feeds. While this trend is logical for direct competitors of TikTok, its adoption by platforms like Netflix, Spotify, Reddit, Twitter, and Pinterest feels derivative. In 2022, LinkedIn plans to join this trend, despite the limited success of its previous attempt with Stories.

Twitter Discontinues Fleets

Twitter’s foray into ephemeral content with Fleets proved unsuccessful. The feature, named ironically, failed to resonate with Twitter users who valued the platform’s unique characteristics: concise, fast-paced updates, and witty commentary. The need for another “Story” format was questionable, particularly given its late arrival and lack of innovation.

Instagram’s Teen Safety Oversight

In July, Instagram introduced new teen safety features, including defaulting new accounts under 16 to private. However, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) discovered a critical oversight: accounts created on the web defaulted to public. Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, acknowledged the error under oath. This oversight, while seemingly minor, raised concerns about the company’s commitment to teen safety.

The Headline of This Article

Devin conceived the idea, and Amanda enthusiastically approved. Still cheugy.