ICYMI The Great Meme Reset of 2026
Jan 7, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Aidan Walker, an internet culture researcher and meme historian, explores the concept of the 'Great Meme Reset' set for January 1, 2026. He dives into the exhaustion of social media brain rot and the longing for the substantive memes of the 2010s, like Big Chungus. Aidan also defines brain rot, discusses its spread via platforms, and debates if a meme reset can provide a genuine escape. They reflect on generational nostalgia and the challenges of imagining a meme-free future.
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Gloving Went Viral From A Niche Community
- Aidan describes gloving as a niche rave performance that suddenly populated feeds after a creator posted tutorials.
- He notes small communities fuel big viral spikes when discovered by terminally online users.
A TikTok Comment Became A New-Year Mantra
- Kate recounts a viral TikTok comment where 'Tamara' declared she didn't need to explain her button ritual.
- That phrase—'it only has to make sense to me'—became a boundary-setting meme for 2026.
Nostalgia Drives The 'Great Meme Reset'
- The Great Meme Reset is a grassroots push to return meme culture to 2010s-style clarity and nostalgia.
- Participants blame AI-driven "brain rot" and want memes that feel substantive again.