Internet Trends That Disappeared Overnight
1. Planking (2011)
At one point, people were lying face-down in unusual places, arms stiff at their sides, snapping photos and posting them online. Planking was the trend of 2011, but as quickly as it took over the internet, it vanished, making way for other physical challenges (like the Harlem Shake).
2. The Ice Bucket Challenge (2014)
Originally created to raise awareness and funds for ALS research, the Ice Bucket Challenge took over social media in the summer of 2014. Celebrities and everyday people dumped freezing cold water over their heads and challenged others to do the same. The campaign was wildly successful, but the trend disappeared almost instantly after the summer ended.
3. Harlem Shake (2013)
The Harlem Shake was a short-lived but wildly entertaining viral phenomenon. It started with one person (usually in a helmet or mask) dancing alone for a few seconds before an entire group of people joined in, flailing wildly. It was everywhere—for a few weeks. Then, like most flash-in-the-pan trends, it was gone.
4. Nyan Cat (2011)
The pixelated, rainbow-trailing Nyan Cat GIF and song were everywhere in 2011. The looping 8-bit tune was unavoidable, but once the novelty wore off, Nyan Cat faded into internet history (though nostalgia brings it back from time to time).
5. The Dress Debate (2015)
Was it blue and black or white and gold? This optical illusion broke the internet in 2015, dividing people and sparking scientific discussions about color perception. But as quickly as it trended, people moved on—probably because we all just agreed to disagree.
6. Yanny vs. Laurel (2018)
Much like "The Dress," this auditory illusion had people convinced they were hearing different words in the same sound clip. Some swore they heard "Yanny," while others were certain it was "Laurel." It was a fun debate for a few days, but the internet's short attention span soon moved on.
7. Pokémon GO Craze (2016)
When Pokémon GO launched in 2016, the entire world seemed to be outside, wandering around in search of virtual Pokémon. While the game still has dedicated players, the frenzy of millions of people congregating in parks, businesses, and sidewalks to catch digital creatures died down pretty fast.
8. Cinnamon Challenge (2012)
The Cinnamon Challenge had people attempting to swallow a spoonful of dry cinnamon without drinking water. Not only was it difficult, but it was also dangerous—leading to choking hazards and lung issues. As awareness grew about its risks, the trend quickly faded.
9. Slender Man (2012-2014)
Slender Man, a creepy, faceless internet myth, took the internet by storm, inspiring memes, fan fiction, and even a horror movie. But over time, the hype faded, and the once-terrifying Slender Man became just another relic of internet folklore.
10. Vine Stars & Challenges (2013-2016)
Before TikTok, Vine ruled the short-form video world. With it came trends like "What are those?!" and "Damn Daniel!" However, when Vine shut down in 2016, many of its stars moved on to YouTube or Instagram, and its most viral moments became internet nostalgia.
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