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Millennials Connect Via Social Media Challenges During COVID-19

Madeline Joung

   Bingo is back, this time among millennials and Gen Zers.

   To stave off boredomcaused by the coronavirusquarantine and connect
   with others, millions of globalmillennials and Gen Zers are issuing
   challenges to each other on social media.

   Challenges have gotten so popular that social media giant Instagram
   added a "challenge" story sticker to make it easierfor usersto create
   their own or nominate others.

   Challenges and tags flooding social media range from drawing random
   oranges and tagging friends, to perfecting 15-second dances onTikTokto
   keep people busy, connected and entertained.

   Here are some of the biggest social media trends and challenges that
   have gone viral.

   Bingo

   People are making bingos about everything, whether it's a university,
   zodiac sign or ethnicity. Bingo questions usually follow a "never have
   I ever" format that users cross off until they eliminate all the spaces
   on a card to make bingo. Users tag friends and post to their social
   media. [1]This classic game -- which started in the 1500s in Italy--
   has been sweeping social media sites and bonding friends over shared
   interests and activities.

   TikTok dance challenges

   The video-sharing social media appTikTokhas dominated the social media
   charts withan [2]increase in thenumberof downloadssince
   thecoronaviruspandemic. A popular trend among young people is
   learningTikTokdances, usually 15-second choreographies around a popular
   song.

   Celebrities and social media influencers are among users practicing
   dances and posting their finished product online. Some are getting
   family members to dance, too.

     [3]@addisonre

     @sherinicolee OK MAMA
     [4]'¬ Savage - Megan Thee Stallion

   In GIFs tag

   Introducing oneself or one's interests throughGIFsisanother popular
   trend on Instagram. The template comes in several formats, such as
   "this or that" or "my favorite things." Once tagged, users post GIF
   stickers on Instagramand tag others.

   Dalgona coffee challenge

   Dalgona, also known asppopgi, is candy from South Korea. Made of sugar,
   corn syrup and baking soda,dalgonahas been a popular street food snack
   for children since the 1960s.

   Fast forward to 2020, the[5]Dalgonacoffee challenge has gained
   attention across the world: make whipped coffee with equal ratios of
   sugar, instant coffee and boiling water. While it may sound easy, it
   can be quite the arm workout because theDalgonacreamhas tobe whipped
   for quite a long time to get it foamy.

   Song challenges

   Users share their favorite songs and grow their playlist, using cues
   for users to post their favoritesongaround a specific theme or topic.

References

   1. https://www.bingowebsites.com/history/
   2. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/coronavirus-quarantine-appears-to-be-driving-a-global-tiktok-download-boom/
   3. https://www.tiktok.com/@addisonre
   4. https://www.tiktok.com/music/Savage-6800996740322297858
   5. https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/dalgonacoffee/

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