Social Media Trends That Died Out Quickly

Social media is a dynamic landscape where trends come and go at a rapid pace. Some trends manage to capture the public’s attention for a significant period, while others burst onto the scene with great intensity only to fade away just as quickly.

This article explores some notable social media trends that, despite their initial popularity, quickly fizzled out. We’ll analyze why these trends emerged, why they gained traction, and the reasons behind their swift decline.

The Ice Bucket Challenge: A Splash That Quickly Dried Up

Origins and Popularity

The Ice Bucket Challenge was a viral phenomenon that swept across social media in the summer of 2014. It began as a campaign to raise awareness and funds for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Participants would dump a bucket of ice water over their heads, post the video on social media, and challenge others to do the same or donate to the ALS Association.

The challenge quickly gained momentum, with celebrities, athletes, and everyday individuals participating and nominating their friends and followers.

Rapid Decline

While the Ice Bucket Challenge was hugely successful in raising awareness and funds—reportedly over $115 million for ALS research—it quickly lost steam. The novelty of the challenge wore off, and social media users moved on to the next trending topic.

Additionally, critics argued that many participants focused more on the spectacle of the challenge than on understanding or contributing to the cause.

As the initial excitement faded, so did participation, and the trend became a nostalgic footnote in social media history.

Planking: A Flat-Lined Trend

The Rise of Planking

Planking, also known as the “Lying Down Game,” involved people lying face down in unusual or incongruous locations, arms at their sides, and photographing themselves.

This trend began around 2010 and quickly spread across social media platforms. The appeal lay in its simplicity and the humorous, often bizarre, locations chosen for planking.

The Fall

Despite its initial popularity, planking was criticized for being dangerous and leading to several injuries. As with many novelty trends, its appeal was short-lived.

The simplicity that made it accessible also made it easy to replicate, leading to a saturation of content that quickly became monotonous. As new, more engaging trends emerged, planking was relegated to the annals of forgotten social media fads.

Harlem Shake: A Dance Craze That Didn't Last

Going Viral

The Harlem Shake became a viral sensation in early 2013. The trend involved groups of people performing a comedic dance to a 30-second excerpt of the song “Harlem Shake” by Baauer.

Typically, one person would dance alone for the first 15 seconds, followed by a sudden cut to a chaotic dance scene involving everyone else present.

The simplicity and humor of the videos, combined with the catchy music, led to a rapid spread across social media.

Quick Burnout

The Harlem Shake’s viral status was both its strength and its downfall. The sheer volume of Harlem Shake videos quickly led to overexposure, causing viewers to lose interest.

Additionally, the trend faced criticism for cultural appropriation and misrepresentation of the original Harlem Shake dance, which had a rich cultural history. By mid-2013, the trend had all but disappeared, leaving behind a brief but memorable imprint on social media.

Pokemon Go: A Short-Lived Augmented Reality Craze

Phenomenal Launch

When Pokemon Go was released in July 2016, it took the world by storm. The augmented reality mobile game encouraged players to explore their real-world surroundings to capture virtual Pokemon.

The game’s innovative use of AR technology, coupled with the nostalgia of the Pokemon franchise, led to a massive and enthusiastic player base. Parks, streets, and landmarks were filled with people hunting for Pokemon, leading to a unique social phenomenon.

Rapid Decline

Despite its explosive start, Pokemon Go’s popularity declined rapidly. Several factors contributed to this downturn. Technical issues, such as server crashes and glitches, frustrated users.

Additionally, the repetitive nature of the gameplay led to boredom over time. The game also faced safety concerns, as players were injured or put in dangerous situations while engrossed in their screens.

By the end of 2016, active user numbers had dropped significantly, marking the end of its brief but intense social media reign.

Conclusion

Social media trends can rise to prominence with incredible speed, capturing the imagination and participation of millions. However, their lifespans are often short, as users’ interests shift and new trends emerge.

The Ice Bucket Challenge, planking, the Harlem Shake, and Pokemon Go are prime examples of trends that, despite their initial success, quickly faded into obscurity. Understanding the factors that contribute to the rise and fall of these trends can offer valuable insights into the ever-changing dynamics of social media.

Sources

1. BBC - Ice Bucket Challenge: How Social Media Phenomenon Raised Millions for ALS
2. The Guardian - The Ice Bucket Challenge: Who Brought the Viral Campaign to Life?
3. New York Times - How Pokemon Go Changed Social Media Trends