Remember when everyone was talking about these?

Nillohit Bagchi

Jul 28, 2026

The Dress debate

In 2015, one simple photo divided the internet into two camps. Was the dress blue and black or white and gold? The optical illusion sparked arguments worldwide, with celebrities, scientists, and even brands joining the conversation.

Credit: Indiatimes

Pokémon GO takes over the world

When Pokémon GO launched in 2016, parks, streets and landmarks were suddenly filled with people hunting virtual Pokémon. It became a global phenomenon that got millions outside and exploring their neighbourhoods.

Credit: Indiatimes

Area 51 Naruto run raid

A joke Facebook event telling people to "Storm Area 51" somehow attracted millions of RSVPs. People started running like Naruto during the raid. While only a small crowd actually showed up in Nevada, the memes completely took over social media for months.

Credit: Indiatimes

Wordle becomes everyone's morning routine

The simple five-letter puzzle exploded in popularity almost overnight. Friends, families and celebrities shared their colour-coded scores every day, making Wordle one of the internet's biggest daily rituals.

Credit: Indiatimes

The Ice Bucket Challenge

What started as a fundraiser for ALS research quickly became a worldwide movement. Millions of people, from students to world leaders and celebrities, dumped buckets of ice water over themselves while raising awareness and donations for charity.

Credit: Indiatimes

Barbenheimer

Nobody expected Barbie and Oppenheimer releasing on the same day to become a cultural event. Fans embraced the contrast, dressed up for double features and turned "Barbenheimer" into one of cinema's biggest internet trends.

Credit: Indiatimes

ChatGPT changes the AI conversation

The public launch of ChatGPT introduced millions of people to generative AI almost overnight. From students and professionals to creators and businesses, everyone wanted to see what AI could do, making it one of the fastest-growing internet phenomena ever.

Credit: Indiatimes

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