10 controversies that nobody could stop talking about this year

Kieran Press-Reynolds,Andrew LloydDec 24, 2022, 01:45 IST

Notable online figures found themselves at the centre of controversies in 2022.FreeTopG on Vimeo, TikTok: @gabbiehanna, Gabbie Hanna, Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Both mainstream celebrities and internet influencers were caught up in controversy this year.
Ticketmaster was derided online, Joe Rogan sparked controversy for COVID-19 comments, and more.

What didn't happen on the internet in 2022? Stan armies exploded over ticket-purchasing problems, influencers beefed about boxing, Twitter changed owners, a couple of fake trends gained viral attention, and more. To sum up the year, Insider assembled a list of 10 of the wildest things to happen on the internet in 2022.

Elon Musk bought Twitter, and now he might step down as CEO.

Elon Musk.Adrees Latif/Reuters

Fake trends from "goblin mode" to "skeleton brunch" popped off this year.

Julia Fox at the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Family YouTubers faced backlash for comparing abortion to the Holocaust.

The documentary compared the number of abortions to deaths during the Holocaust.The LaBrant family via YouTube

Gabbie Hanna suggested getting a new hobby could help overcome depression.

Gabbie Hanna has 7.9 million TikTok followers.Gabbie Hanna via TikTok

Joe Rogan's COVID-19 statements led musicians to pull away from Spotify.

Joe Rogan walks back on his claim that schools were putting out cat litter for kids who are 'furries.'Vivian Zink/Syfy/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Family YouTubers faced backlash for letting their 6-year-old son complete a marathon.

Ben and Kami Crawford have 53,000 YouTube subscribers.Ben and Kami Crawford via Instagram and Shunli Zhao/Getty Images

Andrew Tate suddenly took over the internet, and then he was banned everywhere.

Tate posted his "final message" on Vimeo on August 23.FreeTopG on Vimeo

Ticketmaster crashed and the Taylor Swift fanbase erupted.

Taylor Swift performs at the 2022 Nashville Songwriter Awards.Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

A serial dater dubbed "West Elm Caleb" was called out for love-bombing and ghosting multiple women.

A 6-foot-4 furniture designer became the talk of TikTok.TikTok

A TikTok chef came under scrutiny as experts and commenters reacted to her viral "pink sauce."

Carly Pii launched her controversial condiment.chef.pii / TikTok

A teacher transformed her kindergarten students' drawings of colorful, imaginary monsters into one-of-a-kind plush toys

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