In 2023, the world witnessed a series of surprising and captivating events that have left an impression on billions of people. From the complete transformation of Twitter to the unexpected love story between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, these events have shaped the year and captivated the attention of countless people. Here, I discuss the top 5 most unexpected events of 2023 for me and why they are surprising.
The 2023 writers strike, which began on May 2, had a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and was bound to have had one for viewers, like me, as many popular television projects and films were shut down or postponed. Unfortunately, some of the affected productions include Stranger Things, Abbott Elementary, Andor, Cobra Kai, and Euphoria leaving fans on edge. The writer’s strike was unexpected, as the last major writers strike took place from 2007 to 2008. As a Tv show fanatic I did not see this coming from a mile away or expect for so many productions to be impacted. As television production has grown rapidly, writers’ compensation has declined. Fortunately, The strike ended on September 27 after numerous negotiations and pressure with an agreement reached between the WGA (Writers Guild of America) and the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers).
After 17 years of being known on social media, the iconic blue bird, named after NBA legend Larry Bird, has finally posted its last tweet on July 23 of 2023. In a bold move, the old Twitter icon officially “canceled” and replaced it with a big, bold X. This decision was first hinted at by Elon Musk back in October of 2022, when he tweeted about his plans to acquire the platform in order to create his ultimate vision, the all-encompassing “X” app. This decision was very unexpected as even though it was hinted at many people, including me, didn’t think this decision would happen if you think about the effects of the change. For example, By removing the familiar Twitter name, Mr. Musk discarded a well-established brand that had been a staple in the digital world since its start in 2006. According to media analyst Eric Seufert, the app formerly known as Twitter has seen a decline in downloads since the name change. However, Mr. Musk remains confident in his belief that the X app will revolutionize the way we interact and consume content on social media. In 2024 we’ll see if the X app can live up to its vision and win over the hearts of loyal Twitter users.
This year, TikTok did not disappoint, proving to be a never-ending source of entertainment, particularly in the form of hilarious trends. Among the countless trends that took over the app, and despite the fact that I don’t have TikTok it’s impossible to miss the popular trends. Two in particular stood out to me – the grimace shake trend and the Roman Empire trend. The grimace shake trend first emerged on June 14, just two days after McDonalds released their limited edition menu item, the Grimace Shake. This purple drink, featuring the character from the franchise, quickly became the star of multiple TikTok videos. In each video, users would review the shake before being covered in it transforming into zombies or appearing unalive. The vibrant and mysterious color, combined with the undefined flavor of the shake, only added to its appeal leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating how each video would end. Similarly, the roman empire trend also took the app by storm. Women would ask the men in their lives a simple question- how often do you think about the Roman Empire? The responses varied from confusion to humorous participation, making it a trend that will definitely be remembered in the history of TikTok.
The iPhone 15’s release last year had a significant impact on tech users and Apple fans. Excitement and speculation were at their peak as pre-orders opened on September 15 and the official launch date of September 22 approached. The latest iteration of the iPhone marks a significant departure from its predecessors, as it boasts a sleek and modern redesign with rounded edges and a slightly curved display and black glass. In addition, the iPhone 15 was accessible in five beautiful colors: blue, pink, yellow, green, and black, which further enhanced its appeal. Not all the predictions that were made about the iPhone 15 were met with surprise. In a move that aligns with the EU’s push for standardized charging ports, the iPhone 15 does not feature the proprietary lighting charging port that was a staple of previous models. The lighting port’s fate, which has been constant since 2012, was a concern raised by this change.
Whether you’re a die hard fan or simply familiar with her music, it’s nearly impossible to escape the attention surrounding Taylor Swift’s latest romantic relationship. Despite a year full of accomplishments from her successful Eras tour to being named Time’s Person of the Year- Taylor’s love life has been the subject of much speculation this year. In April, 2023 the singer ended her 6-year relationship with actor Joe Alwyn, only to briefly date Matty Heely before rumors of a new flame emerged in September. This time, Swift’s lover was none other than Kansas City Chiefs football star, Travis Kelce. The unlikely pairing was unexpected, as the two move in vastly different social circles and come from contrasting backgrounds. Kelce, known for his outgoing party-centric persona, is a far cry from Swift’s more reserved and introspective image. While many have expressed their support for the couple, some have criticized their relationship as a mere publicity stunt, questioning its authenticity. In 2024, we’ll see if they can stand the test of time.
