The year 2025 has been a whirlwind of unusual cultural moments. From quirky collectibles to viral scandals, it’s been a fascinating ride.
TikTok’s Non-Ban
Everyone waited for a TikTok ban in January, but it didn’t happen. Both President Biden and former President Trump lost interest. Users worried, flocking to other platforms, but Trump eventually made a deal to keep TikTok in U.S. hands by transferring majority ownership to American investors in September.
Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show
Kendrick Lamar stole the show during the Super Bowl halftime event. His performance of “Not Like Us” drew in a record 133.5 million viewers. The show featured Samuel L. Jackson and star appearances from Serena Williams and SZA. This high-energy performance stirred up ongoing legal battles involving a feud with Drake that stretched through 2024.
The Labubu Craze
Plush dolls called Labubus took the world by storm. Described as slightly creepy, they became the hottest collectible item of the year. Selling in blind boxes by Pop Mart, these dolls sparked an underground market for fakes and resales. In a surprising twist, one life-size Labubu sold for over $170,000 in China!
Celebrities in Space
Katy Perry and Gayle King were part of an all-female crew that briefly ventured to space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard. This marked the first female-only spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova’s historic journey in 1963. Memes and social media reactions featuring Perry’s flight sparked a wave of online buzz.
K-Pop Demon Hunters Phenomenon
Fictional bands from “K-Pop Demon Hunters” found global fame. Released by Netflix, the film captured a huge audience, leading many fans to dress up as their favorite characters for events like Halloween. Songs from the film topped charts and received multiple award nominations, reinforcing the trend of animation merging with music.
Marketing Controversies
Sydney Sweeney faced backlash over an American Eagle ad featuring her in mid-2025. Critics accused it of promoting divisive messages. Her response focused on unity, aiming to mend the online divisions that arose from the controversy.
Parasocial Relationships Explode
The line between fans and their favorite celebrities blurred this year. With many feeling too comfortable online, platforms like “Love Island USA” issued anti-bullying messages due to toxic interactions. Fans turned their dissatisfaction with characters into attacks on the actors themselves.
Viral Cheating Scandal
A viral moment occurred at a Coldplay concert when a businessman and his colleague were caught on the kiss cam. Their reaction led to wild speculation, and both ended up resigning from their jobs. The memes and discussions that followed revealed how social media amplifies private moments into public scandals.
Taylor Swift’s Showgirl Era
Taylor Swift launched her twelfth album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” in October. The project, produced with Max Martin and Shellback, features songs that hint at her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce. Their fairy-tale proposal made headlines, capturing the attention of fans worldwide.
Public Outcry Over Free Speech
Jimmy Kimmel’s show faced a temporary suspension after controversy over jokes that angered some conservatives. This situation ignited discussions about free speech in media, pushing Kimmel back into the spotlight when he returned to his show after a week.
New Slang Among Gen Alpha
The terms “six” and “seven” entered everyday conversations, especially among younger generations. Defined as having no specific meaning, it reflects the playful and unpredictable nature of Gen Alpha speak. Some schools even banned the slang as it became increasingly popular.
This year’s unique cultural events illustrate how social media continues to shape public discourse and influence trends. Whether through music, technology, or societal issues, the conversations have been lively and significant.
For more insights on current cultural trends, check out NBC News.
