"Even in a relatively bleak year in internet culture, there were a lot of absolutely fantastic viral moments that happened this year, like the Coldplay affair and all the Cynthia Erivo memes. When it comes to defining which of these moments are "the best" or, in this case, "the worst," there's some different criteria involved. The best are the ones that actually make us laugh; the worst are the ones that are a little too niche or felt too hard to explain or understand."
"These little viral plush guys were all the rage this year. They originated in Hong Kong as an illustration in a picture book series inspired by Nordic folklore created by Kasing Lung called The Monsters. Now these little gremlin-looking toys are everywhere - as little stuffed animals, bag charms and collectibles. They're sold in "blind boxes" so that you don't know which one you're getting."
A year of notable internet moments produced both broadly funny memes and overly niche viral phenomena that felt hollow. The best memes provoke laughter; the worst hinge on exclusivity, consumerism, or require too much explanation to resonate. Labubu plush toys emerged from a Hong Kong picture book inspired by Nordic folklore and spread as gremlin-like collectibles sold in blind boxes, with demand already cooling. Dubai-style chocolate became a luxury trend featuring pistachio paste and kataifi pastry, with brands selling extravagant, high-priced variations and prompting questions about the value of such luxury.
Read at InsideHook
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