Buzz
This week’s pop culture scene is nothing short of bizarre. A peculiar blue hybrid of a Smurf and a cat has emerged out of nowhere, dominating the internet. Meanwhile, a TikTok star has gained fame for testing faucets, and a new trend reveals men’s fascination with the Roman Empire.
What exactly is Smurf Cat, and why has it become an overnight sensation?
Smurf Cat has taken the internet by storm, becoming the unofficial mascot of Gen Z. The image above has captivated the online world, spreading like wildfire and becoming a global phenomenon in just a matter of weeks.
Smurf Cat, with its mushroom hat and snail-on-a-stick, has a certain charm, but its viral success is puzzling. It has sparked a TikTok hashtag with over 800 million views, inspired three lackluster spin-off memes (Strawberry Elephant, Pineapple Owl, and Blueberry Cat), and even birthed a sub-meme where the punchline is, “I see that damn Smurf Cat everywhere.”
Here’s the backstory: The Smurf Cat image was crafted in 2014 by artist Nate Hallinan. It lingered on his website for nearly ten years until late August, when the internet rediscovered it. Users began remixing the image, sharing it widely, and pairing it with snippets of Alan Walker’s song “The Spectre” on TikTok. Known as Шайлушай, Blue Mushroom Cat, or Shailushai, the original artwork was titled “Smurf Sighting.” Now it’s up to you to make sense of its sudden fame.
What’s behind TikTok’s obsession with the faucet-checking guy?
Another internet sensation is Travis Stock, also known as Spooky Sivart. His TikTok fame revolves around short clips where he tests public faucets. When one works, he enthusiastically declares, “yeah dog! This one works!” and breaks into a cheerful tune. With 1.2 million followers and over 37.6 million likes, his videos have captivated millions, including one that’s been viewed by more than 20 million people. His genuine excitement and humor make him universally lovable, leaving many wishing they could share his passion for something as simple as faucets.
On a deeper level, it’s intriguing to see how countless media professionals, marketers, and content creators work tirelessly to decode what captivates online audiences. Yet, what truly resonates with people is a man’s pure joy over a functioning faucet. It’s a reminder of the unpredictable nature of internet fame.
This week’s burning question: How frequently does the Roman Empire cross your mind?
What exactly is a “Love Surge,” and why is it causing widespread cringe?
Unlike the faucet guy, Smurf Cat, or Roman Empire musings, the “Love Surge” meme’s virality is entirely logical. As explained by Lilianna Wilde, the TikTok creator who introduced the term, a love surge is an overwhelming rush of affection that feels so intense, it’s as if your body might burst from the sheer force of it.
In the video that catapulted her to TikTok fame, Wilde captures her partner Sean trembling with what she describes as “the electricity of love.” Soon, she joins in, and the two shake uncontrollably until they metaphorically “explode” from the intensity of their emotions.
Wilde’s audience is left with that uniquely uncomfortable secondhand embarrassment, a hallmark of unfiltered internet cringe. Many commenters relate, recalling their own awkward, love-fueled moments. Reactions range from, “This video made me consider breaking up with my boyfriend to avoid ever having a love surge,” to “I need a love surge protector,” and the classic, “It’s okay to keep some things private…”
To Wilde’s credit, she opens her video by acknowledging that a love surge is “the most cringeworthy, couple-centric thing ever,” offering a fair warning upfront. While good-natured humor is fine, the backlash she’s facing is entirely unwarranted, and she certainly doesn’t deserve the hate she’s receiving.
This week’s viral video: Cardi B - Bongos feat. Megan Thee Stallion (Official VMA Performance)
The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards proved that women are dominating the music scene this year. Taylor Swift’s sweep of nine awards—including video of the year, artist of the year, and song of the year—was just the beginning. Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s electrifying live rendition of “Bongos” sealed the deal. The show also paid tribute to hip hop’s 50th anniversary with a medley by legends like Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Nicki Minaj, LL Cool J, Lil Wayne, and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels. From LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” to Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh’s “The Show,” the performance was a nostalgic powerhouse, proving these icons can still command a stage, even if they might need to watch their step.
