Old money, new hacks, hello Barbie, goodbye blue ticks

The Moments Matrix is a 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.

This week's matrix has been compiled by ViralMoment.

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Image by: The Social Intelligence Lab    

Goodbye blue checkmark
Verified accounts sure don’t mean what they used to. Blue checkmarks got wiped out across Twitter, and account chaos ensued.
Data Source: Short form social video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit)

AI hallucinations
Think twice while you use that sleek new generative AI product. We’re finding out that our AI overlords love to make up answers, and share them very confidently. The term that is sticking for this behaviour is a “hallucination” - the robots might be right, but it’s worth double checking them. Users are sharing screenshots of AI gaslighting them. Yikes!
Data source: Short form social video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit)

Handling haters
A few recent events have underscored how deeply polarised we are. Bud Light’s statement after online backlash and support of their Dylan Mulvaney sponsorship was to apologise for being a part of a conversation that divided people. Regardless of your POV, we can all agree that every organisation across the globe needs a solid apology plan in place.
Data Source: Short form social video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit)

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Sustainability
Lots of things come and go, but talk about sustainability continues to increase. It is prevalent across conversations, and we are so here for it. Sustainability looks like it will be top of mind in cultural conversations for the long term.
Data source: Short form social video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit)

Facelift hacks
We’ve been seeing snatched make-up tricks trending in beauty for a while now, but facelift hacks take it to the next level. The subtle makeup and skincare hacks have hit the mainstream for men and for women, and natural, topical no-needle required tips, techniques and methods have worked their way into our everyday routines.
Data source: Short form social video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit)

DUPE!
If you aren’t a dupe, you are getting duped. Dupe’s used to be fairly relegated to the style and beauty scene, where users would find similar, less expensive versions of hit products. Now fans proudly show off their skincare dupes, outfit dupes, technology dupes, even food and restaurant dupes. Monitor these conversations carefully!
Data source: Short form social video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit)

Friendship coaches
#friendshipcoach has 16M views on TikTok. We’re outsourcing support to understand and unpack our most complicated interpersonal dynamics, and friendship experts are helping us be our best to each other.
Data source: Short form social video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit)

Barbie everything
If you think you are seeing a lot of pink lately, it is because you are. Barbie’s latest teaser dropped, and the internet bent and snapped. Barbie energy is seeping across pop culture into packaging, cartoonized - fashion, even in increased vocal fry in the way we are speaking. Come on Barbie, let's go party.
Data source: Short form social video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit)

Vibing John Cena
Pedro eating a sandwich is no longer the biggest trend on social… now John Cena vibing has overtaken the throne as the biggest meme of the moment. We’re doing a little dance with him.
Data source: Short form social video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit)

PEMDAS
Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally… Math tricks are in. Across video platforms like TikTok and YouTube shorts, math questions went viral this month. Nobody is still quite sure how to solve these…
Data source: Short form social video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit)

X’chella
Don’t use “that popular California musical festival” name and likeness. Coachella is getting litigious, as festivals around the world have been using the name to promote themselves. Things are going a step further, as just the suffix “Chella” after a festival is now reserved for the festival’s parent company to use.
Data source: Short form social video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit)

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Money smart hack accounts
A new wave of social media accounts run by finance experts and lawyers
is teaching the masses how to be savvy when it comes to our dealings. Whether the accounts read terms and conditions for us and teach us how to navigate issues like canceled flights, or they recommend how to invest a bonus or even talk about a prenup, these accounts are all vying to be our go-to counsel.
Data source: Short form social video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit)

Golf
Golf is having its Lizzo era. Since Netflix debuted "Full Swing", Grandpacore has a 32% increase in engagement on TikTok. Topgolf brought golf to the masses, and it has officially seeped into culture.
Data source: Short form social video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit)

Old phone, who dis?
Dig up that flip phone from 1999, old phones are back. People are working on being more present, and are charging back up their most ancient cell phones to limit their screen time, and to harness the nostalgia of playing snake and texting in T9.
Data source: Short form social video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit)

Old money and quiet luxury
Ludicrously capacious is out, and quiet luxury is in. We’re calling it a shockwave effect of the global economy - everyone is talking about ways to gently whisper wealth through subtle luxury, and an old money aesthetic. Classic, subtle and well-put together fashion, toys and even vacations are in.
Data source: Short form social video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit)

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