Every year, a few crazy trends take the world by storm and eventually leave us wondering why the hell we ever liked that trend in the first place. Some things are always around, but have one really big year and disappear again. Others come and go with no explanation at all. Regardless of how they arrived, here are 10 trends that were big in 2012 that I think will wither away in 2013.
Bacon
I love bacon, but there has been more bacon-related talk than just about anything this past year. I have no idea how it got so popular all of a sudden, but there is a clear obsession. Even the Huffington Post did a 2012 wrap-up of bacon! Although delicious, I don’t think its internet popularity will stick around in 2013.
In 2013, Facebook will start to see its first real decline in users since it first began in 2004. With the rise of sites like Google+, Pinterest, Tumblr, MySpace and Twitter, Facebook cannot afford to keep making huge mistakes and expect to retain their user base. Constant problems with privacy issues, a failed IPO process and EdgeRank, these are just a few of the major problems angering users and causing headaches for Facebook. I predicted their downfall after watching Zuck present Timeline two years ago. Although I was wrong on that, I knew it wasn’t far away.
Seriously, one billion dollars!! Facebook bought them for $1B! They overpaid big time, in my opinion. Rarely does a startup remain once purchased by a larger company, this is just another example with a different reason. As of yesterday, many believe Instagram just destroyed themselves by releasing a new “terms of service”. They were all the rage once offered on Android, but trends can only be cool for so long until something better shows up, i.e. Snapseed or Camera+. Besides, all the pictures of people’s food, skies and bathroom mirror selfies took away any coolness it had left.
YOLO/Swag
STOP IT! Saying this does not make you cool, no matter how old you are. Justin Bieber and other pop stars do not dictate the English language, a proper education does. This better not be around next year.
Justin Bieber
I’m not going to lie, he’s a talented kid, but I just wish he’d go away. Social media is what made him and is keeping him popular, damn beliebers!
Call Me, Maybe/Gangnam Style
These were pretty much the ultimate viral song and video of the year. WAY too many parodies of both songs and I’m about ready to never hear either again. To remind you how bad they are, check this out.
Jersey Shore
This is, quite possibly, the worst show on television. I am not a fan of reality TV, but this takes it to a new low. I get annoyed when my friends shout GTL (Gym, Tan, Laundry) because they know it agitates me. How can a show this bad last so long on TV? I hope 2012 is the last year that cast is ever in the spotlight.
Apple Euphoria
Apple has been the top dog in many industries for many years. I think the iPad is the best product they have across their product line, but not for long. Every year, Apple fanboys would wait in line for hours or days to get the next generation iPhone or iPad, but I believe 2013 will be different. I think Apple is no longer the best product available, I think the competition has finally caught up. In 2012, the best smartphone on the market was the Samsung Galaxy S3 with Android. Google has started to compete head-on and even surpass Apple products quite a bit this year and I believe the torch has changed hands. So far, Apple owns the tablet market with the iPad, but the Google Nexus is making a name for itself. Although Apple euphoria will never leave, it will certainly be toned down for this coming year.
Honey Boo Boo
Seriously, why do people support such garbage? I’m not sure which is worse, Honey Boo Boo or Jersey Shore. I believe that shows like this are part of the problem with our society, but that is for another conversation. I really hope that Honey Boo Boo doesn’t stick around for another year, for everyone’s sake.
Caturday
Caturday happens every Saturday and takes place mainly on Google+. If you look here, you’ll see how crazy it is, especially on Saturdays! I don’t hate Caturday, but it has gone down the same road that bacon has on the internet. There are entire blogs, Tumblr accounts and even Google+ accounts devoted to cats and Caturday. What the hell did cats ever do to get so popular? I suppose, being a dog person, of course I’m confused on the whole subject. Anyway, I think the obsession will subside in 2013.
