What Next | Daily News and Analysis TBD | 2025: The Meme of the Year
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Dec 28, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Kate Lindsay, host of Slate's ICYMI podcast and internet culture writer, explores the evolving landscape of memes. She redefines what a meme is today, highlighting examples like the Coldplay kiss-cam that rapidly went viral. Kate also dives into issues of public shaming, the impact of rapid misinformation, and why society revels in the misfortunes of the wealthy. Additionally, she examines the cultural critique behind the 'Republican makeup' meme and provides her intriguing predictions for the future of memes across platforms.
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Memes Are Moments Not Just Images
- Memes now span moments, video, and audio rather than just images or text.
- Kate Lindsay defines meme broadly as anything that took over the internet at a given moment.
Coldplay Kiss-Cam Blew Up Overnight
- The viral Coldplay kiss-cam clip exposed an affair and the CEO's identity within 24 hours.
- The couple were identified as Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and former head of HR Kristen Cabot and both left the company.
Social Media Turns Public Into Surveillance
- The scandal shows how social media has turned public spaces into surveillance ecosystems.
- Lindsay argues privacy erodes because anyone can post strangers and algorithms amplify it instantly.