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Street’s Favorite Internet Trends of 2022
From stay–at–home girlfriends and existential foodies, to quiet videos and the CEO of corn, being online this year meant equal parts immersion in and respite from existential dread.
This year, it feels like the revolving door of internet trends has been coming and going faster than Julia Fox could say “Uncuht Jamz”—each with a lifespan shorter than the Miu Miu mini–skirt that took over our feeds and convinced us all that this scrap of low–waisted khaki was enough to cover up the shame of reverting to Y2K trends. 2022 online trends had us acting like Patrick Bateman taking ourselves on solo–dates in the name of self–care as if we aren’t just antisocial, lonely suckers too lazy to make a Hinge profile. Anyways, YOU GET THE POINT! These internet moments come and go and we can’t help but buy into them—because what else is going to fill the endless void in our minds reminding us that we’re like Chicken Little screaming that the world is ending and climate change is imminent? Without further ado, here are Street’s favorite internet trends of 2022. — Natalia Castillo, Style editor
Julia Fox
Can a person be a trend? If that person is Julia Fox, it turns out the answer is yes. She proclaimed herself “Josh Safdie’s muse when he wrote ‘‘Uncuht Jamz,’” described her upcoming book as “so far a masterpiece” (she didn’t want to give too much away), and pioneered the iconic eye makeup look that launched a thousand twink Halloween costumes. Fox is a self–aware second coming of the celebrities of old, but instead of rocking “Stop Being Poor” T–shirts (yes, I know the original was “Stop Being Desperate”), she’s managed to stay remarkably unproblematic, from her ethical TikTok discourse to coordinating photoshoots with the paparazzi. In an interview with Highsnobiety, she says, “I can get a photo taken that’ll get reblogged a bunch of times, and this designer’s going to get their first write–up in Vogue. Stuff like that gives me fuel because it’s like, ‘I can do good with this.’” A true queen of the people, methinks. — Walden Green, Print editor
Ditching Fast Fashion Trends
Remember the swirly dress from House of Sunny? Or the Prada re–edition bag? Yeah, so do we... unfortunately. Along with so many other micro trends, these items were seared into the mind of anyone who consumed TikTok content in the past year. It often feels like the platform has accelerated trends to the point where they no longer exist, supplanting the traditional seasons of fashion houses and runway shows with short bursts of influencer promotion followed by near–immediate obsolescence. In a way, that’s a good thing—it means personal style has begun to reign supreme over following a preset list of what to wear to be “cool.” Somehow nearly every decade is in style at the same time—from ‘90s punk to ‘70s disco to glittery Y2K—and as long as you like what you wear, others will come around, too. — Emily White, Editor–in–Chief
Stay–at–Home Girlfriends
I used to feel guilty on days where I didn’t leave my house. I saw myself as lazy, antisocial even. But not anymore— now, I’m a glamorous stay–at–home girlfriend. Whose girlfriend? Unclear, but that’s not the point. This new TikTok trend spurred from “Day in the Life” videos of childless women who live with and are financially supported by their partners, spending their time engaging in elaborate self–care and housekeeping. Overall, it’s a pretty unrealistic lifestyle, and might send an anti–independence message to an impressionable audience. However, it’s taught me a thing or two about how to incorporate alone time into my routine. Instead of seeing it as an act of avoidance, I view it as an act of self–care and a necessary break from reality. The stay–at–home girlfriend aesthetic is lovely—just practice it in small doses, please. — Arielle Stanger, Assignments editor
Celebrity Private Chefs
This year, there’s more to your average TikTok cooking video. Step aside, Buzzfeed Kitchen; private chefs serving the most luxurious Hamptons elite are taking over the internet. Meredith (aka Wishbone Kitchen) and Kara Fauerbach are two New York City–based chefs who document their experiences cooking for themselves and clients. These two food geniuses, plus other members of the TikTok private chef community, post food hauls, recipe videos, and a personal favorite, “A Day in My Life as a Private Chef” vlogs. This new group of content creators blurs the lines between work and play, expressing themselves through farm fresh produce and the occasional “eyeballing” of seasonings. — Kate Ratner, Music editor
“Quiet” Videos
In this short–form genre on TikTok and Instagram, we've begun to see the moving textures of life’s most ethereal and eerie moments in a sea of “quiet” videos. From glimpses into the rushing calm of waves upon a moonlit beach to low–light renderings of rain–drenched city streets, these vid-
eos’ depictions of everyday life moments— cast in darkness—communicate quieted feelings of longing, and yet respite. Richly paired with ambient, atmospheric, or emotive music, they ask the viewer to beg for liminality, to search for nothing. This genre has become all the more meaningful as Gen Z’s desire to wayfind and “get away” has increased with each passing day, made restless by the onslaught of technology and social media. These videos are devoid of the noise from pop culture, and over the course of the year, they’ve accomplished what an influencer can’t: compel viewers to become more in tune with themselves and their worlds. When Øneheart and reidenshi’s “snowfall” or Patrick Watson’s “Je te laisserai des mots” engulf the viewer in the nooks and crannies of our enchanting world moments, we begin to love and see the unusual artistry of the living images before us. — Tyler Kliem, Design editor
Gentle Minions
There are many events that require a suit, collared shirt, or dress shoes. Weddings, graduations, fancy dinners, or 15th–round Wharton club interviews are prime examples. But movie theaters? Not so much, that is, at least until this year.
If anyone watched Minions: The Rise of Gru this summer, chances are they were surrounded by teenagers dressed in formal attire (or perhaps were themselves dressed up). For any Gen Z Minions fans, the summer trend of #GentleMinions was as integral to the film’s experience as the film itself. Although the trend’s beginning has no precise origin, we can trace the TikTok users who began dressing up in dapper attire back to Minions’ main character and top villain: Gru.
Minions: The Rise of Gru—a film comprised mainly of bathroom and fart jokes—is not exactly a cinematic masterpiece. However, the original film in the franchise, Despicable Me, is a hallmark for Gen Z, making this new addition to the franchise an “event movie” worthy of a lighthearted trend that’s silly and fun. — Jacob Pollack, Film & TV editor
The Existential Foodie
Scrolling through Instagram I come across a masterful pizza—never have I witnessed such a beauty. Red sauce crafted from fresh San Marzano tomatoes coats a fresh, pillowy white canvas, and clouds of mozzarella grace the bed of red. An immaculate crust is crisped to perfection—wait…what does the caption say? “Will this make me happy? No.” The stunning food photo paired with highly existential captions has become my new religion, and I’ve been showing my commitment to the faith by solely curating my Instagram feed to show me these ridiculously perfect posts. Food does in fact make me think about how, say, if I have no idea what I want to eat for dinner, then I’ll never be able to satiate my ever–increasing appetite for love and I'll never settle down and be a lonely spinstress with 17 cats and exceptional knack for crocheting matching kitten hats. Alas, until I find a new therapist, I'll continue to self–medicate with my daily dose of foodie Instagram posts plated up with a healthy serving of existential dread. — Natalia Castillo, Style editor
Solo Dates
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we tend to lose track of the simple pleasures: delving into a book on a park bench, sipping coffee and watching strangers, scowling like a tortured genius as you stare at a painting. This weekend, try taking yourself out to the museum, the bookstore, or the corner coffee shop. Everything is easier once you slow down and learn to enjoy your own company. I’m an expert: Before I leave the house, I like to sit in front of the mirror and gaze lovingly at my reflection. I have all the characteristics of a human being. — Irma Kiss Barath, Arts editor
The “It’s Corn!” Kid
With two words, 7–year–old Tariq won the hearts of millions of online fans: “It’s corn!” In a now viral YouTube video featured on Julian Shapiro–Barnum’s internet show Recess Therapy this August, Tariq professed his love for the “big lump with knobs”—which he emphasizes does, in fact, have “the juice.”
The clip of the so–called “CEO of Corn” quickly caught fire. #CornKid has garnered over 475 million views on Tik Tok, while Tariq’s musings were even transformed into a remix that was stuck in the head of every teen and twentysomething on the app for months to follow. Mid–interview, Tariq asks Shapiro–Barnum to take a look at the cob that he’s currently munching on, saying, “I can’t imagine a more beautiful thing.” And, you know what, neither can I. — Hannah Lonser, Features editor
Celebrity Podcasts
Like every other human being with a TikTok account, we are tired of seeing a middle–aged man, who reviews pizza and probably still lives with his mom, hang out on a weekly podcast with an underdeveloped Justin Bieber (baby era) and a TikTok influencer who parties at colleges on the weekends (I’m looking at you, BFFs podcast hosts David Portnoy & co.). However, we cannot tell a lie—who doesn’t love to pipe some celebrity hot goss into the eardrums in between classes. Just like our Monday morning runs to Pret, we love to complain and drag ‘em through the mud, but we wouldn’t know what to do without out our daily dose of celebrity podcasts. ❋ — Natalia Castillo, Style editor
Take It to the Streets What to Do in Philly This Month
This month: Fairytale worlds. Bands back from the dead. Semi–secular seasonal festivities.
Going to college in Philly, we’re so often bombarded—on social media and IRL—with seemingly endless options for how to spend our free time. So I’m delighted to announce that Street has done the hard part for you: We’ve rounded up what we think are the can’t–miss events for the month (and you can expect more of these in the months to come) in one convenient place. If I’ve done my job right, there’ll be something in here for every one of our readers, no matter what you like to do with your weekends.
Walden Green
All Month: Cinderella @ Walnut Street Theater
For people that need a little more magic in their lives (Penn students), the musical production of Cinderella is coming to the Walnut Street Theatre! If you’re looking for an enchanting and whimsical show to watch until the end of the year, check out this new Broadway adaptation of the classic love story. Tickets from $52, various times, Walnut Street Theater, 825 Walnut St. ———————————————————————————— Dec. 1–10: Winter Dance Series @ University of the Arts
Starting early December, the School of Dance at UArts is welcoming viewers to its Winter Dance Series. Created and staged by an impressive roster of faculty and guest artists, the program series invites audiences to consider the endless possibilities of the human body in motion. Free, various times, Zellerbach Theater/Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. ———————————————————————————— Dec. 1–26: Christmas Village @ Love Park and City Hall
Bells are jingling, spirits are bright, and the city is officially in the holiday season. Modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany, this outside holiday market event is the perfect place to buy your Christmas gifts and warm yourself up with yummy European drinks and sweets. Free, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., City Hall, 1500 Arch St. ———————————————————————————— Dec. 3–4: Trans Art Market @ Bok Building
The Trans Art Market is back and better than ever with over 100 vendors in its two–day winter market event. The Market highlights the work of trans, nonbinary, and gender–expansive artists and makers across the larger Philadelphia area. Drop by the Bok Building to shop for amazing goods and to raise funds for Housing Reparations in Philly and Cars for Philly. $5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bok Building, 821 Dudley St. ———————————————————————————— Dec. 3 + 8 through January: Opera on the Big Screen @ Opera Philadelphia
This winter, Opera Philadelphia gives viewers the chance to see a classic art form on the silver screen. The program, running until January, includes the James Darrah’s 2021 adaptation of Poulenc’s La voix humaine this month, as well as the Twin–Peaks inspired Black Lodge in January. With screenings at five different regional theaters, this is opera like you’ve never seen it before. $10 for students, 1 p.m. on the 3rd, various locations and times.
Greeting Committee isn’t your average hometown band. Straight out of the Kansas City suburbs, this indie pop group has two full albums, three EPs, and a couple of singles under their belt that will bring the vibes to your autumnal–turned–winter walks. If you only have time to memorize the lyrics to one of their tracks ahead of their upcoming show at The Foundry, staff writer Caroline Clarke dubs their most–streamed song on Spotify, “Hands Down,” a must–listen. $20, 8 p.m. The Foundry, 29 E. Allen St. ———————————————————————————— Dec. 9: Nicki Night @ Brooklyn Bowl
If you’re looking to pound the alarm with your super freaky girl gang, Brooklyn Bowl’s Nicki Night is the place for you. Celebrate Nicki Minaj’s birthday with her most classic hits, and leave your pinkprint on the dance floor. 21+, tickets from $15, doors at 9:30 p.m., party at 10, Brooklyn Bowl, 1009 Canal St. ———————————————————————————— Dec. 9–11: Jay Pharoah @ Punch Line Philly
I just know you’re all dying to see Saturday Night Live’s 55th–greatest cast member—as ranked by Rolling Stone in 2015. The legend himself, Jay Pharoah, will be performing at Punch Line Philly in mid–December, so book your Saturday night activity ASAP. You’re welcome. 30, 7:30 p.m., Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St. ———————————————————————————— Dec. 9–28: The Nutcracker @ Academy of Music
It’s time to kick seasonal depression to the curb and step into a world of sugarplum fairies and dancing snowflakes. Join the Philadelphia Ballet to ring in the holiday season with George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Tickets from $25, 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7
p.m. shows, Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St. ———————————————————————————— Dec. 10: Ween @ The Met
There are some bands that are long overdue for a Gen Z revival, and Ween is at the top of that list. These ‘90s stalwarts were known in their heyday for deviously catchy pop songs that skirted the lines of parody and novelty hits. Heck, it’s not hard to imagine “Ocean Man” or “Baby Bitch” blowing up into a TikTok audio one of these days, and you can say you were there first. Tickets from $50, doors at 7 p.m., show at 8, The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad St. ———————————————————————————— Dec. 10 + 17: Big Wig Holiday Brunch @ Punch Line Philly
Move over, RuPaul, because Big Wig Holiday Brunch is bringing the “ultimate drag experience” to town this month. Embrace the two drink minimum and ring in the holiday season the best way possible—with ultimate diva cocktails. 21+, $40, 12 p.m., Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St. Dec. 10 + 25: The Crossing Reenactment @ Washington Crossing Historical Park
Craving some colonial–inspired fun this holiday season? Look no further than the annual reenactment of George Washington’s daring 1776 Christmas night river crossing. This isn’t your average LARP in Clark Park, either. During the event, several hundred actors don Continental military garb to row across the Delaware in replica Durham boats. $8 for adults, Washington Crossing Historic Park, Intersection of Routes 532 and 32 (River Road), Washington Crossing, Pa. ———————————————————————————— Dec. 14: Peach Pit @ The Fillmore
Preemptively planning a finals study break? Head on over to the Fillmore with your friends for a Peach Pit concert to remember. The Vancouver–based indie pop band’s fame is skyrocketing, so jump on this opportunity before the TikTok gatekeepers find them. $32.50, 8 p.m., The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St. ———————————————————————————— Dec. 15: Lingua Ignota @ Union Transfer
There are those who, by the middle of the month, will be looking for a respite from finals season. There are also those who’ll be on the hunt for an experience so harrowing it makes finals season seem tame by comparison. Kristen Hayter first adopted the Lingua Ignota moniker as a graduate student (her dissertation: Burn Everything Trust No One Kill Yourself), and she’ll be retiring the project soon, so be sure to experience these cathartic and terrifying songs in the wild while you still can. $27.50, doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8, Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St. ———————————————————————————— Dec. 31: ‘80s NYE Party @ Rivers Casino Philadelphia
Bust out your neon leg warmers and spandex to celebrate New Year’s ‘80s–style. Join Spazmatics ‘80s Tribute Band at Rivers Casino for an all–you–can–eat dinner, three hours of open bar, and throwback tunes until the ball drops. 21+, tickets from $119, doors at 10 p.m., party at 11, 21+, Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Ave.
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