It’s worth noting at the outset that the word “viral” carries a layer of irony amid the ongoing global health crisis. Yet, in digital circles, it simply describes content that spreads rapidly across the internet, capturing widespread attention in record time.
This year, 2020, has unfolded as an unprecedented chapter in modern history, with widespread lockdowns and strict social distancing measures reshaping everyday life. Communities worldwide adapted to new norms, altering routines and habits dramatically. While the year brought its share of hardships, it also sparked moments of joy, creativity, and unexpected humor that resonated globally.
In this piece, we’ll explore six standout trends and phenomena that captured the public’s imagination and went viral throughout 2020.
1. Images Showcasing Nature’s Rebound
The enforcement of lockdowns and social distancing over the past several months created immense challenges for societies, as businesses, entertainment venues, and public spaces shut down, leaving many feeling isolated. Yet, amidst this human pause, the natural world flourished unchecked by usual human activity.
Observers documented stunning visuals of ecosystems rejuvenating, with wildlife venturing into areas typically dominated by people. For instance, reports emerged of dolphins returning to Venice’s canals and deer roaming urban streets, highlighting a rare glimpse of a world without constant interference. These captivating scenes not only amazed audiences but also served as a powerful reminder of the environment’s resilience, potentially motivating greater conservation efforts in the future.
Beyond these nature-focused captures, platforms like various viral content aggregators have flooded feeds with an array of uplifting videos and photos from diverse walks of life, offering a much-needed escape and entertainment during these trying times. According to estimates from social media analytics, such content saw billions of views, underscoring the role of online humor in maintaining morale.
2. Virtual Work Gatherings
The shift to remote work, driven by health concerns, meant that offices emptied and video calls became the new norm for collaboration. While the idea of working from home promised flexibility, it often introduced complications involving family members, noisy pets, and household distractions.
As individuals juggled professional responsibilities with personal life, these online interactions frequently led to comical mishaps, such as unexpected interruptions or background chaos, which were quickly shared and amplified across the web, turning everyday blunders into viral sensations.
3. John Krasinski’s Uplifting Broadcasts
The acclaimed Hollywood star John Krasinski, known for his relatable charm, launched a YouTube series titled Some Good News as a counterpoint to the relentless stream of negative headlines. Frustrated by the dominant narrative of hardship, he aimed to spotlight positive stories that were often overlooked.
This initiative drew in millions of viewers and even featured high-profile guests, transforming isolated evenings into communal experiences and providing a beacon of hope that helped ease the emotional toll of confinement.
4. Remote Fitness Sessions
With gyms and fitness centers closing to curb virus spread, many turned to home-based workouts as their primary option. For some, self-motivation proved elusive in familiar surroundings, prompting fitness experts to innovate with online resources.
Personal trainers responded by producing a wealth of pre-recorded tutorials and live interactive classes, tailored for at-home use. This adaptation not only addressed the need for structured exercise but also fostered a sense of community, with participation surging as data from fitness apps showed a 300% increase in virtual class sign-ups, making it a defining trend of the year.
5. Religious Leaders Adapting with Water Blasters
A year ago, the notion of clergy using water guns might have seemed like pure fiction, but 2020’s realities made it commonplace. To maintain safe distances during ceremonies, traditional practices had to evolve, especially in settings like baptisms.
Clergy innovated by employing water guns to administer holy water from afar, ensuring rituals could continue safely. This quirky modification resulted in widely shared images that blended solemnity with absurdity, reflecting the broader adaptations across cultural and religious practices amid the pandemic.
6. Live Streams from Musicians
Live music events, a cornerstone of cultural expression, were halted this year, leaving fans yearning for connection. In response, performers got resourceful, broadcasting intimate performances directly from their homes via streaming platforms.
These virtual concerts exploded in popularity, offering a risk-free alternative for audiences to experience music, with platforms reporting record-breaking viewership numbers, such as millions tuning in for major artist streams, thus keeping the spirit of live entertainment alive.
All in all, 2020 has proven to be a year of remarkable shifts and surprises. The items highlighted here represent just a fraction of the viral moments that defined it, leaving us curious about what twists the rest of the year might bring.