Social media lies lead people to wait for phantom fireworks in NYC
Plus: The Washington Monument's makeover ruffles feathers.
Greetings!
Here are the latest trending internet culture stories today:
Some AI slop social media posts that straight-up lied about New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Brooklyn Bridge caused hundreds of people to wait for them outside.
This look at Gwyneth Paltrow’s issues with knowing the names of her costars (or movies she’s been in!) has me wondering if she should get her memory checked.
The Washington Monument’s new light show for America’s 250th birthday is being compared to the Las Vegas strip.
Enjoy the weekend of 2026!
— W.J.
⚡️ Today in Internet Culture
“April Fools in December”: Hundreds of people waited at the Brooklyn Bridge for fireworks that never came, all because of AI slop
In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, AI-generated posts flooded social media, showing fireworks over the Brooklyn Bridge. These posts claimed the fireworks would be part of the city’s New Year’s Eve festivities.
The videos were apparently convincing enough that hundreds of people showed up along the Brooklyn waterfront to see the display for themselves.
A brief history of Gwyneth Paltrow not knowing her co-stars
Gwyneth Paltrow seems to consistently forget about her time with Marvel as well as her MCU co-stars, and it’s not the only time this has happened. The goop founder has been caught reintroducing herself to actors she’s worked with, and has admitted to forgetting which Marvel movies she’s even in.
“So tacky”: The Washington Monument’s makeover for America’s 250th birthday is causing quite the commotion
The National Park Service announced that the Washington Monument would feature a dramatic lighting makeover in honor of the United States‘ 250th birthday. This marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of American independence named Freedom 250.
The new light show debuted on Dec 31, with projections illuminating the monument every hour from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. But while the Monument has been illuminated before, the design choices this time have stirred mixed reactions.
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🔥 Hot on the Dot
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