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After the mess that was 2021, Twitter trends for the new year are setting the expectation for what 2022 might have in store.
1. Andy Cohen’s Drunken Thoughts
Kicking off the first day of the new year, Twitter users took to the platform to highlight the memorable commentary that Andy Cohen had given the night before as he hosted CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live from Times Square.
Celebrating in typical New Year’s Eve fashion, Cohen and his host, Anderson Cooper, began the night’s festivities with several shots of tequila. Given that it was a four-and-a-half-hour broadcast, the effects were bound to kick in. It is okay though — it’s been a rough year.
As the alcohol kicked in, people across America tuned in to witness a night that was nothing short of memorable. Numerous on-air rants made appearances as Cohen fired shots at notable figures such as Mark Zuckerberg and Ryan Seacrest. However, what really got people to make Cohen a Twitter trend was the attention that he gave former New York City (NYC) Mayor Bill de Blasio.
After declaring that de Blasio was one of the “crappiest” mayors in NYC history, what really got users talking was how Cohen stated that “the only thing that Democrats and Republicans can agree on is what a horrible mayor he has been.” I doubt de Blasio will be making an appearance in Times Square anytime soon.
A Very Drunk Andy Cohen Went On A Rant And A Half About Bill DeBlasio During CNN's New Year's Eve Broadcast https://t.co/orNwKwsswr pic.twitter.com/XJDuia7z6g
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 2, 2022
Despite the criticism that Cohen received the following day, he set the record straight by stating that he will issue no apologies for ringing in the new year with entertainment that definitely made audiences at home smile.
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2.‘CDC says’ memes arise with new guidelines
On December 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shortened their recommendation of how long an individual must stay isolated after testing positive for COVID-19. What was once a 10 to 14 day period of no contact with others got dramatically reduced to 5 days and another 5 days of wearing masks. The recommendation was also extended to those who are unvaccinated and may have to quarantine because of a potential Covid exposure.
After nearly 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic changing the way people have lived, Twitter transformed into a place where users voiced their opinions regarding the obvious policy change.
With the CDC has previously stated that “the Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus” and the appearance of other variants across the globe, to say that eyebrows were raised was an understatement.
With “CDC says” memes being one of the biggest Twitter trends thus far, people from all over were quick to tweet that other risky behaviors were now okay to conduct.
CDC, 2020: wash your groceries
CDC, 2022: you can cough in someone’s mouth if your boss says it’s okay
— bobby wasabi (@bobbyteriyaki) January 6, 2022
I mean… if my boss says it is okay, who am I to say anything? After all, maybe that will be how people will come to survive working 40+ hours a week and horrible work environments
Speaking of survival:
The CDC says, “if you figure out how to survive, let us know.”
— rogue scone (@fckboyseatpizza) January 11, 2022
I’m glad we’re all in this together.
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3. Venmo kicks the year off with a season of giving
Another Twitter trend that made headlines was once again involved Venmo. The mobile payment app once again held another giveaway to celebrate the new year. With #VenmoMe being all over the social media platform during the first week of the month, Venmo users saw no harm in tossing their hat in the ring to see if they would be the lucky contestants to have a little extra dough in their accounts.
While Venmo giveaways started occurring during the summer of 2020, it should be noted that for a platform that used to previously receive little attention in the media, this new marketing strategy has only skyrocketed the press for the app.
New year, new #VenmoMe. We’re giving out $10,000 today. RT this w/ your Venmo handle and you just might ✨ manifest ✨ $100, $250, or $500.
Must follow @Venmo. No purch nec. Ends 1/5. US only, 18+. Venmo acct req’d. Rules: https://t.co/g4KLdG1U1l pic.twitter.com/fLSoDQi7Rg
— Venmo (@Venmo) January 5, 2022
In the past two years alone, the number of users on Venmo went from 10 million to 40 million. If the giveaways aren’t a sign of how powerful marketing media strategies are in today’s society, I don’t know what is.
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4. Tyra Banks makes headlines for America’s Next Top Model comments
American model and television host, Tyra Banks, once again was seen trending on Twitter as clips of her making insensitive remarks on America’s Next Top Model came to surface. This time, the newest snippet to go viral was of Banks praising a contestant before she was about to eliminate the aspiring model off the show.
ANTM is a psychological thriller pic.twitter.com/8mxktXvOI3
— T*nner (@mulhlland_drive) January 2, 2022
Other scenes of Banks’ harsh criticisms, inappropriate behavior at photoshoots, and disregard for racism began to resurface as well.
With such negative press, people on Twitter have even gone as far as to petition for her to be fired from her current position as co-host of Dancing With the Stars. And while the American TV personality has yet to comment on the latest attention she’s been receiving in the media, it seems that Twitter is doing all the commenting for her.
5. Elmo being unhinged is spiritually relatable
Now, with the holiday season often being a time for reminiscing, it’s no surprise that people will often look back at their childhood. What was surprising, however, was how Elmo managed to find himself going viral.
With Twitter trends showcasing the “Sesame Street” star going crazy over his friend Zoe’s pet rock, “Unhinged Elmo” was born.
https://twitter.com/wumbooty/status/1478193742075023365?s=20
With the original video depicting Elmo getting mad at Zoe for saving the last oatmeal raisin cookie for Rocco, her pet rock, the beloved character loses his calm. “How?! How is Rocco gonna eat that cookie, Zoe?” Elmo snaps. “Tell Elmo! Rocco doesn’t even have a mouth! Rocco’s just a rock! Rocco’s not alive!”
Twitter users began to continue the momentum by posting their favorite videos of Elmo losing his patience — so much so that the Rock, Dwayne Johnson, entered the conversation.
Yes, my friend.
This Rock devours cookies.
All kinds of cookies 😈🍪
I’ll introduce you to #CheatMeals and it’ll change your life.
Tell Cookie Monster to move it over, cuz I’m coming to Sesame Street to kick ass and eat cookies.
And I’m almost all outta cookies.
~ Rock 🐂 https://t.co/BjlZciRqxU— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) January 6, 2022
With the Rock and Rocco fighting Elmo in the ultimate cookie battle, the red Muppet character’s chances at winning would undoubtedly be, well, rocky.
As Twitter continues to showcase what exactly is in vogue for people across the globe, if the trends are anything to go by, 2022 is set to be another interesting year.
