The fall of Labubus and the mush of modern internet trends
Recorded: Nov. 26, 2025, 1:03 a.m.
| Original | Summarized |
‘Labubu dubai chocolate Love Island matcha’ and Internet culture
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The proliferation of fleeting internet trends, as meticulously documented by Caiden O’Donnell in “The Fall of Labubus and the Mush of Modern Internet Trends,” offers a compelling microcosm of contemporary digital culture. O’Donnell argues that the rapid rise and equally swift decline of phenomena like Labubus – a small, somewhat unsettling plush toy – exemplifies a broader pattern within the internet’s ecosystem. This pattern is driven by a confluence of factors: the increased connectivity afforded by social media, the shortened attention spans cultivated by short-form content, and the increasingly decentralized nature of online communities. O’Donnell’s core thesis centers on the idea that the internet is no longer characterized by large, unified cultural moments, as seen in previous trends like “Gangnam Style.” Instead, the digital landscape is populated by a “mush” – a chaotic amalgamation of trends originating from diverse corners of the internet. This “mush” is partially a result of algorithms that cater to individual user preferences, creating hyper-segmented communities rather than a shared, overarching cultural experience. As O’Donnell observes, this decentralization isn’t a negative thing; it's a consequence of the internet’s very design, which breaks down monolithic groups and fosters the possibility for interaction across varied interests. The Labubus trend itself serves as a key illustration. The toy’s initial popularity, fueled by its presence in the Kasing Lung picture book series and subsequent expansion through toy sales by Pop Mart, rapidly morphed into a global sensation. However, this momentum was short-lived, driven by factors like a decline in stock prices for Pop Mart and a shift in user attention – indicative of the typical trend lifecycle. This wasn't simply a case of a fleeting fad, but a demonstration that the internet is, in effect, a constantly resetting space - ready to offer new tastes to those who are willing to take them. O'Donnell skillfully connects this trend cycle to larger shifts in online culture. The emphasis on individualization promoted by influencers and the rise of distinct, niche online communities contribute to this instability. The very act of seeking out these variations is facilitated by the internet, which removes barriers to entry and creates opportunities for interaction across seemingly disparate groups. It's this continuous interaction that allows the "mush" of trends to form, as diverse tastes and cultural references collide and remix themselves. Furthermore, the author effectively argues against a purely nostalgic view of past cultural moments. The pre-internet era, with its shared national narratives and dominant trends, is presented as fundamentally different from the dynamic, fragmented internet landscape. For better or worse, the internet compels us to embrace the continuous flux, the constant introduction of new experiences that don’t need to stand above others – but rather, co-exist alongside them. Ultimately, “The Fall of Labubus and the Mush of Modern Internet Trends” offers a nuanced and insightful analysis of contemporary internet culture, framed by the observed trajectory of a seemingly insignificant toy. Caiden O’Donnell’s meticulous documentation underscores a crucial point: the internet’s influence hinges on its ability to facilitate constant and dynamic change. The “mush” isn’t a sign of cultural decay, but rather a reflection of a fundamentally altered ecosystem, one defined by interconnectedness and continuous transformation. |