Breaking records, fixing tractors and solving a glitter conspiracy

The Moments Matrix is a fortnightly guide to what’s trending on the world’s leading social media sites. Find out what’s going viral and what's here to stay across mainstream and niche topics.

  Image by: The Social Intelligence Lab    

The latest tech layoffs
Amazon and Salesforce recently announced more layoffs - the latest in a series of massive layoffs in the tech industry. This has been a prominent trend in the sector since the beginning of 2022 due to many tech companies needing to correct their trajectories after seeing massive gains during the pandemic.
Data source: Google, News, Web Traffic
Source: Nichefire

Elon's double standards
2.3k users have commented on the thread "Elon Musk to Twitter 2.0 Employees: Stop Leaking Or I'll Sue You" on r/news. Musk has sent an email to Twitter employees, threatening to sue them if they continued leaking information regarding Twitter. In response, many speculated whether a person working at Twitter has an NDA, allowing them to continue to leak information. Some are still wondering what his motives were when he bought Twitter. Many Redditors call him a "hypocrite" because he criticized Twitter for their content and censorship rules and is at the same time trying to censor his employees who are exposing how they're treated. He also banned and censored a video of him being booed at the Dave Chappelle show, and received much criticism for it.
Read the thread here.
Data source: Reddit
Source: Listen + Learn Research

#Mondaymotivation
It is a new year, new us. We're watching #Mondaymotivation videos go bonkers. While many short lived New Years Resolution fizzle out during January, there is something different about this years drive. People are digging into embracing their true selves, to working hard but accepting slow and consistent progress, and to being realistic about meeting their goals.
Data Source: TikTok
Source:ViralMoment

Mediterranean diet rules
For the 6th year in a row, the Mediterranean Diet is labeled as the best overall diet. And for those who are beginning to realize their New Year's resolutions, many will be flocking to this diet for their diet and weight loss goals.
Data Source: News, Google, Twitter, Instagram
Source: Nichefire

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Avatar: The Way of Water Tops Box Office
The long-anticipated sequel to Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water hit theaters in mid-December. In just two short weeks, the movie grossed over $1 billion at the box office and became a prominent hit for the holidays - reaching over 3 million web traffic hits on Wikipedia and over 2 million Google searches (and counting).
Data source: Google, Wikipedia, News
Source: Nichefire

US House of Representatives breaks new records
With the new US House of Representatives in session, some new milestones were met - including Rep. Hakeem Jeffries becoming the first Black lawmaker to ever be nominated for the Speaker of the House. On the other side, Rep. Kevin McCarthy failed in his bid to become Speaker of the House 14 times. This is the first time something like this has happened in over 150 years. As a result, many individuals took to social media to create memes and content poking fun at the situation.
Data source: News, Google, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
Source: Nichefire

The Evolution of the internet
The video "The Internet Changed Me" by TheOdd1sOut has been trending on YouTube. Over 2.3 million viewers tuned into to see TheOdd1sOut go back in time and reminisce about how the internet changed them, and their life. They talk about what the internet used to be like before the advent of social media and conclude that not much has changed - apart from the internet's speed and accessibility. Yet, the creator instilled nostalgia for a time long gone. Users in the comments agreed, mentioning how this video brought back memories that they had forgotten.
Watch the video here.
Data source: YouTube
Source: Listen + Learn Research

Insurrection in Brazil
No matter your political lean, it is evident that the recent events in Brazil are similar to those that occurred in the US on January 6. The internet is noticing, and TRUMP and BOLSONARO are trending together.
Data source: TikTok
Source: ViralMoment

Maximalist Expressionism
Sad beige people can pack up their sad beige things and leave. Maximalism, expression, individualism and color are IN. Designers, fashionistas and trend forecasters are taking to TikTok to celebrate the exciting new swing in style that celebrates being ALIVE. The trend is spreading across topics - we see maximalist bedrooms, maximalist cooking and maximalist fashion all exploding.
Data source: TikTok
Source: ViralMoment

Life with ADHD
1 million people have watched the video "ADHD" by Ice Cream Sandwich. The creator raised awareness of what ADHD is really like, compared to what is shown in the media. He also explained how he got his diagnosis and what a relief it was to finally have an answer. Users mainly complimented the creator on depicting ADHD so accurately and subsequently shared their own experiences with ADHD, as well as their own diagnosis process. They relate to many points made in the video, especially recently diagnosed ADHD adults. Some were grateful that the topic is receiving more attention since it can help others in their journey. One user, for example, wrote: "as someone who grew up with ADHD but didn’t know until now, it’s good to see more people talking about it". Watch it here.
Data source: YouTube
Source: Listen + Learn Research

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Salary discussions
Over 1.2K commentators have joined the conversation on the thread "What % pay rise did everyone get this year? Just been told I'll get nothing and be happy about it" on r/AskUK.Redditors discussed what their pay rise was this year. Some shared that they got nothing, while others say they got 2-9% due to working in the private sector or being part of a union. Redditors who received the highest pay rise mentioned that they moved jobs after their previous employers refused to increase their pay. Several users agree that job hopping is the only way to get consistent pay rises.
Read the thread here.
Data source: Reddit
Source: Listen + Learn Research

Ronaldo's signing causes a stir
Cristiano Ronaldo signing for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr has seen huge engagement on social media, and his announcement post thanking fans for the welcome received millions of engagements on Instagram.
Data source: Instagram
Source: NewsWhip

Casino content
Maybe its the recession calling, but Casino content is HOT right now. Live streams of casinos are blowing up on TikTok, and blackjack tutorials are going off. This is Hollywood's sign that the world is ready for the next great heist film.
Data source: TikTok
Source: ViralMoment

CES 2023
Every year, CES highlights some of the latest innovations in consumer tech and the possibilities in our near future. This year, we're seeing some buzz around hot innovations - like electric skates, the metaverse for kids, digital temporary tattoos, and more!
Data source: Google, Twitter, News
Source: Nichefire

The Glitter Conspiracy
Social media is on HIGH ALERT to figure out where the glitter is going. After a 2018 New York Times article that mysteriously dishes on an everyday product that uses so much glitter its causing a shortage, TikTokers got to work to get to the bottom of the issue. #glitterconspiracy has 23 Million views.
Data source: TikTok
Source: ViralMoment

Cars dominate CES 2023
CES 2023 concluded this week in Las Vegas, and cars were the dominant force, with more than half of the top stories being about vehicles, with electric cars from Ram and others catching the eye in particular.
Data source: Web & social
Source: NewsWhip

John Deere right to repair
Reddit was abuzz as John Deere owners won the right to repair parts from the tractor manufacturer in the US this week. Right to repair is often a huge topic on Reddit, and that proved true again for this iteration.
Data source: Reddit
Source: NewsWhip

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NFL player safety
After Bufallo Bills' Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field, it caused a widespread conversation about player safety in the NFL, as well as criticism for the league org itself, who originally wanted the players back on the field after a five-minute break.
Data source: Web & social
Source: NewsWhip