Oh, the internet. It’s this wild, unpredictable, yet oddly comforting place where one moment, you’re minding your own business, scrolling through your feed—only for the next moment, an image, a hashtag, or a video to hijack your attention, making you think, “How did I get here?” Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed some seriously weird, iconic, and downright unforgettable moments. Moments that have not only entertained us but have, in many cases, redefined culture, politics, and even the way we interact with one another. I mean, who would’ve thought a simple dress could break the internet, right? Here are the 12 moments from 2015 to 2025 that we’ll likely never forget (for better or worse).
1. The Dress Debate: White and Gold or Blue and Black?
Remember that time the world lost its mind over a dress? Yeah, it was 2015, and the debate raged on: What color is this dress? White and gold or blue and black? People took sides. Hard. Some tried to argue scientifically, others just gave up in frustration, throwing their hands up in defeat (while still watching, of course). The Dress Debate wasn’t just a harmless distraction—it was a cultural phenomenon. People, even those who didn’t care much for fashion, felt an inexplicable need to weigh in. And that’s the magic of the internet, isn’t it? A single image, a simple optical illusion, and boom, the world is divided.
2. #JeSuisCharlie and the Rise of Hashtag Activism
Flashback to January 2015. The Charlie Hebdo attack shocked the world, and #JeSuisCharlie exploded across social media, not just as a hashtag but as a movement. Freedom of speech, solidarity, outrage—it was all wrapped up in those three little words. I remember seeing posts everywhere. People, even in the most unlikely corners of the globe, posted their support, the hashtag spreading like wildfire. It wasn’t just some trend to be scrolled past. It was action, albeit virtual. This moment marked the beginning of something bigger—hashtag activism—which, over the next few years, would mobilize millions of people for various causes, from racial justice to climate change.
3. Pizza Rat
Ahh, Pizza Rat. The ultimate example of the internet loving something absurd. Remember that video? A rat in New York City subway, dragging a slice of pizza through the tunnel like it was the last bit of food on earth. What was supposed to be a simple, ridiculous clip turned into a symbol of resilience. I mean, it wasn’t just a rat carrying pizza, it was us—us struggling through our own little battles, fighting for the scraps of life. Pizza Rat became a living, breathing meme that represented the quirky humor of the internet and our love for relatable, low-key chaos. Sometimes, you gotta laugh—otherwise, you’d probably cry.
4. Rainbow Profile Pictures for Marriage Equality
Then, there was that moment when everyone turned their Facebook profile into a rainbow flag. It was 2015, and the U.S. legalized same-sex marriage. People reacted by—well, with a rainbow of emotions (pun intended). It wasn’t just a photo filter—it was a public statement. A way of saying, “I support you. I see you.” In an age where online expression can feel empty sometimes, this was different. Everyone was suddenly a part of something huge. Marriage equality wasn’t just a legal change—it was a cultural one. And Facebook made it easy for us to show up. Literally.
5. The Rise of TikTok Challenges
Okay, let’s talk about TikTok. It started as this short-video platform, and now? It’s a cultural juggernaut. The dance challenges. Oh, the dance challenges. From the Renegade to the Savage Challenge, TikTok became a stage for creativity, humor, and absolute chaos. I’m talking about those moments where you spend hours watching random people perform perfectly timed dances to pop hits. Was it a waste of time? Well, yes, probably. But somehow, it was worth it. The platform turned into a virtual performance space, democratizing the spotlight for everyone—and, for a moment, the internet was all about joining in on these collective moments.
6. Viral Political Campaigns
Social media. Politics. A match made in chaos. But also brilliant. The 2020 U.S. elections weren’t just about debates and rallies—they were about memes, TikToks, Instagram stories. Kamala Harris’s campaign was a masterclass in social media engagement. Her TikTok videos? Genius. Memes? Everywhere. In a way, this became the new form of political discourse—more informal, more engaging, and arguably more relatable to a younger generation. And it worked—a lot of people started talking, arguing, laughing, sharing. The line between meme and campaign slogan became as thin as…well, the internet’s attention span.
7. The Year of Opinion: Social Media Filters for Solidarity
It’s strange, isn’t it? How a simple filter can hold so much weight. Like, remember when Facebook introduced the French flag filter after the Paris attacks in 2015? It was this powerful visual representation of solidarity. Suddenly, your profile wasn’t just a picture; it was a message. And that’s the thing about the internet—you can say so much without saying a word. That same year, people were using filters for causes from Black Lives Matter to environmental activism. It was like, you know, this weird and totally digital way of showing “I’m with you.”
8. The Dark Side of Viral Fame: “Star Wars Kid”
Viral fame sounds fun, right? Fame is supposed to be glamorous, right? Right? But Star Wars Kid proved otherwise. A teenager’s goofy lightsaber video was uploaded to the web, and boom, it went viral. What followed was not fame, but cyberbullying. I still remember reading about how this kid’s life was completely turned upside down. The internet can be a monster—it loves to build people up just to tear them down. And that’s the darker side of viral fame, isn’t it? It’s not all dancing and funny cat videos. Some things, some people, get lost in the chaos.
9. The Power of Memes in Shaping Culture
Ah, memes. The language of the internet. From Pepe the Frog (yes, I know, that one’s controversial) to Distracted Boyfriend, memes have shaped how we communicate, how we express frustration, joy, confusion…hell, even philosophy. You can find a meme for just about anything. It’s like the internet’s unofficial currency. It’s absurd how something so simple can represent complex ideas in such a tiny, shareable package. But that’s the genius of memes—they make culture bite-sized.
10. Livestreaming and Real-Time Events
Livestreaming—what a trip. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Live have turned everyone into a reporter. I still remember watching real-time news events and gaming tournaments as they unfolded. It’s weird how watching something happen live on the internet feels so much more real, isn’t it? Like, I could actually be there (without the smell, of course). There’s something about watching events in real-time that just… feels different. And as livestreaming has grown, it’s reshaped how we experience big moments in history and entertainment.
11. Viral Animal Antics
How can you not love a good viral animal video? Seriously, whether it’s a cat getting stuck in a box, or a dog trying to talk, animals on the internet will never not be a thing. These videos are like internet comfort food. Sometimes they’re silly, sometimes they’re just straight-up adorable, but they always hit that sweet spot of shareability. Goofy, relatable, and oh-so-shareable. Honestly, I’d say the internet’s true royalty are those funny, adorable, and sometimes weird pets.
12. Influencer and Celebrity Internet Feuds
And finally, let’s talk about the drama. You know, the celebrity feuds that the internet can’t seem to get enough of. From Kanye vs. Taylor to James Charles vs. Tati, the world of internet drama has captivated us all. These feuds aren’t just personal—they’re now global spectacles. Whether it’s influencers dragging each other on Twitter or celebrities battling it out in the comments section, the internet has made the personal… very public. And honestly? We can’t look away.
And there you have it. The 12 most memorable internet moments from 2015-2025—moments that shaped the web in ways we could never have predicted.
