↗
The archive / Internet rituals
The internet made us do strange things
The recipes, challenges and portrait experiments that turned watching into joining in.
6 stories to exploreInternet rituals
Showing 1–6 of 6
Internet rituals · 2020 lockdown
Dalgona coffee: the drink came with homework.
Dalgona coffee gave the 2020 lockdown an achievable kitchen project and a very photogenic glass. In India, the whisking was familiar even when the name was new.
Internet rituals · Late 2016
The Mannequin Challenge: don’t move, the camera’s coming.
Late in 2016, groups froze while a camera toured the scene. Indian versions included Be YouNick’s demonetisation take and Priyanka Chopra’s team holding still.
Internet rituals · March–April 2025
AI Ghibli portraits: that’s your cat in the picture.
In March 2025, people turned photos and memes into Ghibli-like images. Recognisable faces made the results appealing; the borrowed look brought questions about artists and credit.
Internet rituals · 2016
Bottle flipping: it only has to land once.
Mike Senatore’s 2016 talent-show landing gave an ordinary bottle a crowd-pleasing moment. Indian attempts followed, and his own story went beyond the clip.
Internet rituals · 2014
The Ice Bucket Challenge: who nominated you?
The 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge travelled through nominations, including Indian celebrity friendships. Behind the familiar splash was an ALS awareness and fundraising campaign.
Internet rituals · September 2025
Nano Banana: the saree portrait came with instructions.
September 2025’s Nano Banana saree trend paired familiar faces with retro lighting and film-like portraits. Indian users gave an image tool a very specific makeover to attempt.