From political spectacles to viral pop culture moments, 2025 proved once again that the internet decides who dominates the global conversation. These were the people, events, and trends that shaped timelines and headlines this year.
Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize Obsession
US President Donald Trump once again became the focal point of online debate after repeatedly claiming he had ended “eight wars” and deserved a Nobel Peace Prize.
The claims reignited his long-standing fixation on the award, spawning waves of memes, sarcastic posts, and relentless fact-checking. While his supporters amplified the narrative, critics ensured the discussion stayed trending even as the Nobel committee remained silent.
AVM Aurangzeb Ahmed: Pakistan’s Viral Commander
Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed surged to the top of Pakistan’s Google searches following the May conflict. His calm, composed briefings, marked by quiet confidence and unshakeable composure, captured public admiration. Social media users praised his professionalism and charisma, transforming the senior air force officer into an unexpected viral sensation.
Blue Origin Space Mission
The space race took an unexpected turn this year. The Cold War-era rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union is now a distant memory. In April, a high-profile crew – including singer Katy Perry and CBS presenter Gayle King – embarked on an 11-minute spaceflight, reaching over 100 km above Earth.
The mission was funded by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, with his wife, Lauren Sánchez, also among the passengers. Upon returning, Sánchez told reporters, “I looked out of the window and we got to see the Moon.” Truly out-of-this-world.
During the flight, Perry performed Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” but later said she felt like a “human piñata” due to the online backlash she faced. Critics slammed the mission as “essentially just joyrides for the super-rich.”
Zohran Mamdani and the Internet-Savvy Campaign
At just 34, Zohran Mamdani turned New York City’s mayoral race into a social media phenomenon. Leveraging humor, relatability, and bold visuals, Mamdani’s campaign flooded timelines, resonating with younger voters and proving that internet fluency is a potent political tool.
Anas Al-Sharif: Remembered Online
Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al-Sharif, 28, was killed in an August airstrike in Gaza, sparking an outpouring of tributes across social media. Colleagues, activists, and followers widely shared his work, renewing calls for stronger protections for journalists operating in conflict zones.
Kiss Cam Chaos: The Concert Moment That Broke the Internet
A Coldplay concert kiss cam moment between Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR head Kristin Cabot went viral, sparking memes, jokes, and endless speculation. Social media turned a fleeting moment into weeks of workplace drama narratives.
Celebrity Culture: Swift, Kelce, and Sydney Sweeney
From Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement to Sydney Sweeney’s “great jeans” ad controversy, celebrities continued to drive conversations online. Sweeney’s ad unexpectedly sparked debates around culture, race, and “genes,” demonstrating how even minor media moments can explode in the digital age.
Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday Cast Reveal
Marvel Studios once again proved its social media power with the livestreamed announcement of Avengers: Doomsday. The five-hour event drew 275 million digital views and 3.1 million social mentions, setting a record for Marvel livestreams — even though the movie won’t hit theaters until December 2026.
Labubu Dolls: Ugly-Cute and Everywhere
Labubu dolls became a global social media obsession. The quirky, “ugly-cute” collectibles gained popularity through blind-box packaging, viral TikTok unboxings, and celebrity endorsements, evolving from niche designer toys into luxury status symbols with soaring resale prices.
“Trump Is Dead”: The Rumor That Wouldn’t Die
One weekend, hashtags like #TrumpIsDead dominated timelines. The entirely unsubstantiated rumor fueled waves of jokes, conspiracy theories, and media scrutiny, illustrating just how quickly misinformation can spread online.
Louvre Robbery
Sometimes life imitates art, and October’s theft at the world-famous Louvre was a scene straight out of “Ocean’s 11” or “The Thomas Crown Affair.”
Four suspects arrived at 9:30 a.m., shortly after the museum opened. Using a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift, they reached the first floor, cut through the glass, and made off with approximately £76 million worth of treasures. Adding to the embarrassment, a 2018 security audit had already flagged the balcony used in the heist as a vulnerable entry point accessible via a freight elevator, according to Le Monde.
By late November, Paris prosecutors confirmed the arrest of the fourth and final suspect. However, the stolen jewelry remains missing—another reason, if you needed one, to visit Paris.
In 2025, social media didn’t just reflect the world — it shaped the narrative, deciding who mattered and turning fleeting moments into global movements overnight.
