Buzz
Amid the chaos and turmoil of a crumbling society, moments of innocence and joy can shine through. This week, Corn Kid, a child with an extraordinary love for corn, has become a beacon of hope and happiness.
What’s the story behind Corn Kid?
This week, the internet welcomed a new star: Corn Kid. His infectious passion for corn has captured hearts worldwide, making him the most talked-about figure this week. He’s destined to join the ranks of unforgettable internet icons like keyboard cat, planking, and the ice bucket challenge.
Corn Kid’s journey to fame started with this viral video, which inspired a catchy TikTok tune, a fantastic dance, countless memes, and much more.
I’m attempting to understand why this specific child has won over so many hearts—after all, there are countless videos of cute kids showing enthusiasm. Yet, there’s something inexplicably special about this video that brings unparalleled joy. I’m simply grateful for his existence and the happiness he spreads. This kid truly adores corn.
This week’s internet cautionary tales
Since everything online that isn’t about Corn Kid seems dreadful, here’s installment 5,361 in my ongoing series: Avoid Doing These Online Trends.
Avoid harassing whales for clicks, views, follows, likes, or any other engagement.
Do not scare your children with fake ghost stories.
Steer clear of faulty tanning beds. In fact, avoid tanning beds altogether.
Do not stop using birth control because an online “holistic healer” advises it.
Do not attempt to “sun your holes.”
J.K. Rowling targets her online detractors
Additionally, avoid penning a lengthy rebuttal to those who criticize you on the internet. And don’t claim that wasn’t your intention, as it’s clear to everyone. This guidance is specifically aimed at Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling, whose latest novel, The Ink Black Heart, was released this week.
The sixth book in the Cormoran Strike series (which, to my surprise, exists), The Ink Black Heart follows the tale of a renowned artist who meets a tragic end after clashing with outspoken, internet-savvy individuals holding divisive views. This mirrors Rowling’s own experiences with backlash over her tweets regarding transgender issues.
This misstep is one that leaves you baffled. She could have continued crafting stories about magical creatures or intergalactic adventures, as seen in the Harry Potter series, but she chose this path instead. She could be enjoying life without such controversies.
Are your colleagues allies or adversaries?
In this TikTok video, @nikolai_novikov suggests dividing everyone at work into two groups: Cop or friend. The concept seems to be about approaching colleagues with skepticism until they earn your trust. While this is a solid foundation, it doesn’t cover everything. Fortunately, the video’s comments are filled with advice on identifying workplace “cops,” such as those who criticize others for taking bathroom breaks or, the most obvious sign, discussing their golf games.
Observing younger generations navigate the absurdities of the workplace and attempt to rationalize it is intriguing...perhaps because it reminds me of my first “real” job (at an insurance company or something similar) and how isolating and bizarre it felt to spend significant portions of my life surrounded by people I couldn’t connect with on any level. I don’t recall worrying much about whether someone was a “cop” or “friend,” as I was too preoccupied with wishing time would move faster and planning my exit. (Shoutout to DailyDot for uncovering this)
Viral video of the week: Viral clips that are genuinely worth watching
This week’s viral video focuses on viral videos themselves. It’s a meta experience, really. In it, YouTuber LazarLazar spends eight minutes showcasing the most popular viral clips from the past month. Despite the title, most of these videos aren’t particularly impressive, but I’m highlighting this as an example of a genre where the host reacts to others’ content, creating the vibe of watching mediocre TV with a friend.
While I don’t find this YouTuber engaging, insightful, or humorous—he comes across as an irritating guy with a grating voice making superficial remarks over uninteresting clips—it’s clear I’m not his intended audience. LazarLazar has a massive following, so there’s something about his content that resonates with younger viewers; I just can’t pinpoint what it is. If you’re curious, give the video a watch and see if you can figure it out. Alternatively, check out my current favorite YouTuber, Look Mum No Computer, especially if you enjoy videos about repurposing old tech and have a soft spot for oscillators.
