Trends Everyone Once Took Seriously That Now Feel Wild

There was a time when certain trends dominated conversation, dictating what we wore, said, and even how we behaved. From fashion fads to bizarre gadgets, some trends felt like they were inevitable. But looking back, some of those trends now feel completely absurd, the kind of stuff that makes you wonder how anyone ever took it seriously. This piece highlights the trends that represented their pieces of online history, but are gladly resigned to that.

Ice Bucket Challenge

Pouring freezing water over your head to raise awareness for ALS seemed noble and serious, and it worked. But watching thousands of soggy videos now is both inspiring and hilariously over-the-top.

Harlem Shake

One person dancing alone, then suddenly chaos erupts behind them, it swept the internet in 2013. Now it feels like everyone collectively lost their minds for 30 seconds of fame.

Mannequin Challenge

Freezing in place while someone filmed you looked dramatic and “artsy.” Today, it mostly inspires eye rolls and nostalgia for an era obsessed with posing.

Tide Pod Challenge

Eating laundry detergent seemed like a bold dare at the time. Now we look back in disbelief that anyone thought swallowing toxic chemicals was a good idea.

Cinnamon Challenge

A spoonful of cinnamon without water caused coughs, gagging, and sometimes hospital visits, all for internet clout. Today, it’s just absurd and dangerous.

Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge

Sucking on shot glasses to plump lips went viral because of celebrity influence. Now it’s a reminder of how far people will go for a quick trend.

Bottle Cap Challenge

Spinning kicks to unscrew bottle caps looked impressive online, but watching hundreds of videos now makes it feel like a collective overestimation of coordination skills.

Running Man Challenge

Dancing along to a catchy beat seemed essential in 2016. Today, it’s mostly funny to remember everyone was practicing the same moves for likes.

NoMakeupSelfies for Charity

Sharing bare-faced selfies for a cause was well-intentioned, but seeing the flood of perfect “natural” faces now feels ironic and performative in retrospect.

Salt and Ice Challenge

Putting salt and ice on skin caused burns for clout — yes, adults really did this online. Today, it’s a shocking example of viral stupidity.

Condom Challenge

Inflating condoms over your head seemed hilarious to teens in the late 2000s. Looking back, it’s wild anyone took it seriously without permanent consequences.

Milk Crate Challenge

Stacking milk crates to climb and fall on video seemed daring. Now we watch in disbelief at the sheer risk people took for fleeting internet fame.

Fidget Spinner Obsession

Spinning plastic gadgets was suddenly the center of culture. Today it’s a reminder of how quickly obsession can spiral over something completely trivial.

Ice Cube Face Challenge

Pressing ice cubes to your face for beauty points seemed smart at the time. Now it’s one of those viral fads that makes you laugh and cringe at the same time.