2024's Defining Online Moments

A Year in Viral Moments: Reflecting on 2024's Online Culture

The year 2024 presented a unique landscape for online discourse, marked by moments of surprising joy and a return to reality. It was a period defined by debates – even over pronunciation, like the now-famous “hawk tuah” – and unexpected trends.

The way we interact with online culture continued to evolve, becoming increasingly fragmented. Here are eight viral moments that, for me, encapsulated the spirit of 2024. However, I welcome your perspectives on any significant moments I may have missed!

The Disappointing "Willy Wonka" Experience

An organization identifying as the House of Illuminati advertised a magical, Willy Wonka-inspired event. Their promotional materials, created using AI, promised attractions like “Encherining Entertainment” and an “Imagnation Lab” [sic]. The actual event, held in a sparsely decorated Glasgow warehouse, fell far short of expectations.

Despite the disappointment for those who purchased tickets, the experience generated a wealth of darkly humorous images that spread rapidly online.

Google's Questionable Health Advice

The introduction of Google’s AI Overviews feature led to the surfacing of unreliable and even dangerous information in search results. Early viral examples included suggestions to add glue to pizza, gaze at the sun for extended periods, and consume small rocks daily.

Although Google promptly removed the most egregious results, the incident highlighted the potential pitfalls of an AI-driven future and the importance of verifying information.

The Rise of the "Brat" Aesthetic

Charli XCX’s album “Brat” transcended music, becoming a cultural vibe characterized by lime green and an embrace of unapologetic self-expression. The artist herself defined it as embodying “that girl who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes.”

The concept was simple: “It’s brat. You’re brat. That’s brat.” Even Kamala Harris briefly participated in the trend.

A Return to Olympic Joy

The 2020 Summer Olympics, delayed until 2021 due to the pandemic, were held under challenging circumstances. However, the 2024 games marked a welcome return to the spirit of athletic competition and heartwarming moments.

Streaming service Peacock’s coverage enhanced the viewing experience for American audiences. Highlights included Celine Dion’s performance and the captivating performances of athletes like Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec and Australian breakdancer Raygun.

Moo Deng Captures Hearts Worldwide

Moo Deng, a pygmy hippopotamus whose name translates to “bouncy pork,” quickly gained internet fame, becoming, as one “Today Show” host declared, the “hottest new ‘It girl’ on the planet.” Her adorable size, playful bites, and endearing vocalizations captivated audiences.

Unfortunately, even this wholesome phenomenon faced a dark side, with tourists harassing Moo Deng at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo by throwing objects at her.

"Wicked" Stars and a Viral Moment

The film adaptation of “Wicked” generated significant buzz with a large-scale marketing campaign, becoming the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation in history. However, an unscripted moment between stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande proved to be the most memorable.

The actresses appeared visibly moved when a journalist mentioned the impact of the song “Defying Gravity,” resulting in a touching image of Grande clutching Erivo’s finger.

The "Hawk Tuah Girl" and the Pursuit of Fame

Hailey Welch became a viral sensation in 2024 after her candid response to a question about what “move in bed” excites men. Welch leveraged her newfound fame by launching merchandise, a podcast, and the “HAWK” memecoin.

The memecoin venture ultimately ended in controversy, with allegations of a “rug pull” – a fraudulent scheme where developers abandon a project after raising funds. Welch has denied any wrongdoing.

Bluesky's Ascent in the Social Media Landscape

Bluesky, initially positioned as an open-source alternative to X, gained significant traction after its public launch in February. It quickly rose in app charts, particularly in Brazil following restrictions on X, and in the United States after Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

This surge in popularity sparked discussions about potential echo chambers and the impact on Bluesky’s original ethos and unique community.