2024 has been quite the year for memes and pop culture, with artistic creativity and societal movements coalescing to highlight the quirks and humor of modern life. From viral moments of joy to deep dives on pressing issues, the year was saturated with trends and poignant commentary borne out of the internet’s collective imagination.
The Paris Olympics emerged not just as a spectacle of athleticism but as fertile ground for meme generation. Viral highlights like Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen’s muffin reviews and gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik’s unexpected nickname, 'pommel horse guy,' brought humor to the forefront. Céline Dion’s heartfelt performance at the opening ceremony sparked love across social media platforms, captivating hearts as much as the athletes themselves.
Simultaneously, the summer of 2024 was hailed as 'Brat Summer,' thanks to Charli XCX’s album 'Brat' which redefined the term, embracing chaos amid the pressures of societal expectations. This movement signaled the increasing radicalization of youth culture, pushing back against conformity and encouraging the celebration of flawed narratives.
Pop culture absurdity of 2024 was also embodied by the infamous 'Skibidi Toilet' meme series, merging offbeat humor with viral dance challenges. This bizarre concoction of toilet humor and catchy tunes struck the right chord, making it one of the year’s surprising highlights.
Then there was Moo Deng, the adorable pygmy hippo who took the internet by storm. Videos showcasing her playful antics and expressive face transformed Moo Deng from mere wildlife mascot to symbol of joy and conservation, extending her fame and amplifying awareness about wildlife preservation. Moo Deng became such a beloved figure, with countless memes and tributes flooding social media.
Artificial intelligence also entered the conversation this year, albeit with mixed feelings. The proliferation of AI-generated 'slop' art created concerning yet humorous images, like shrimp Jesus or distorted children, igniting debates over the ethics of machine-generated creativity. Despite the initial confusion and horror, this trend cultivated discussions about the intersection of technology and traditional artistry.
On to the entertaining side of things, 'Red One,' the Christmas movie starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans premiered on Amazon Prime Video on December 12, 2024. Though the film was critiqued by major movie critics, generating only 30% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences on social media praised it, calling it 'an adorable Xmas movie full of heart.'
Reviews highlighted the dissonance between mainstream critics and audience reception. One viewer tweeted, 'Red One is actually pretty good and should be on everyone’s watchlist.' Others echoed sentiments like, 'I love this movie! It’s a joy and you don’t need critics to tell you what’s good.' The film's quirky charm was captured perfectly by netizens who shared memes depicting their experiences watching it with families over the holidays.
The year's internet culture experienced wide-ranging shifts, too. The concept of 'underconsumption core' took TikTok by storm, encouraging users to cherish what they own instead of chasing fleeting consumer trends. Meanwhile, the social media platform newness thrived, with users flocking away from Elon Musk's X platform (formerly Twitter) to explore new alternatives.
Memes surged beyond quick humor, often tethered to real movements. For example, the phrase 'Hawk Tuah' trended among communities embracing unapologetic self-expression, launching artists like Haliey Welch to unforeseen fame.
Despite the turbulence of the political climate and social issues, 2024's memes often felt like collective therapy for audiences. Terms like 'brain rot,' coined by Gen Alpha and recognized by the Oxford Dictionary, captured the zeitgeist and ushered conversations surrounding the realities of today's youth.
Throughout the year, celebrities often commented on these trends. Memorable quotes encapsulated their sentiments toward the chaos around them. For example, Katt Williams highlighted the challenges of comedy during his landmark interview with Shannon Sharpe, stating, 'They’re so bad, Shannon, they’re not available on Netflix or Tubi,' sparking reminisces on the state of entertainment.
Pop culture wasn’t only limited to music and film; it reflected broader trends. Politics, well, intertwined with creativity. The phenomenon was, perhaps, best illustrated by the bold statement made by Charli XCX where she declared Vice-President Kamala Harris as 'brat'—an embrace of the messiness inherent to youth culture.
Indeed, 2024 will go down as not just the year of fleeting memes but as one marked by underlying currents of change and reflection. From embracing chaos to mobilization of youth voices, the discussion surrounding memes served as both mirth and message, making this year one for the record books.
