A Year in Clicks: The Best of Being Chronically Online 2024

With this being the last day of 2024, let's dig into the most memorable digital moments

Welcome to Chronically Online’s inaugural Year in Clicks franchise. How crazy is it that 2024 is coming to a close? Well, I think we can all agree that this year has been memorable. With so many things happening, 2024 felt like we entered several dimensions.

From Katt Williams opening the 2024 chaotic portal on “Club Shay Shay” to “holding space” for Wicked, I know my screen time was excessive, given all the content I consumed this year. Though I found myself online constantly, this year was quite entertaining on the internet, so of course, it only makes sense to write about some of my favorite memes, pop culture moments and Chronically Online clicks of 2024.

2024 Meme of The Year: Smoking Duck GIF

It's not even funny when I say I used this gif religiously. It felt so fitting in any situation, but definitely for an “it is what it is” moment.

2024 WTF?: Look-alike Contests

Though there have been several WTF moments in 2024, I think the back-to-back look-alike contests did it for me. From Timothée Chalamet to Glen Powell, it almost feels like we’re in a very long dystopian movie waiting for the next scene. The massive turnouts of Hollywood heartthrobs continue to grow and seem an escape for people to detach from what’s happening in reality. I couldn’t tell you why these started happening, but I have to tell someone to call me when they do a Jaylen Brown look-alike contest.

2024: The Year of Eras

It’s no secret that music has consumed my phone all year. I couldn’t keep up with all the back-to-back new releases this year, but the way artists curated eras and aesthetics to match the music stood out the most. From Beyoncé making us all grab our western rodeo gear to Charli XCX having us Google what “Brat Summer” meant, this year, artists stepped it up outside of TikTok to make their music count.

Best Binge: Love Island USA Season 6

The last time I felt in community with others while watching a show was during the peak of Euphoria. When Love Island's sixth season aired, it was everything I needed and more. In 36 episodes, it mixed mess, friendship, and love. I never knew I needed a Serena Page, Kordell Beckham, JaNa Craig, Leah Kateb, and more on my screen until now.

Each episode felt like everyone clocked in. We had highs and lows that gave each person character, and I lived for every moment, especially our season six winners, Serena & Kordell. Watching such a young Black couple authentically shine and be themselves in every episode was one of the best things to come out of reality TV. It was even more of a treat to watch them rise to fame and soak up all the love they received digitally in person.

Talk of The Timeline 2024: Kendrick Lamar vs Drake

Even if you’re not into rap battles, you know that Kendrick Lamar vs Drake was the talk of the timeline without a doubt. It was a nonstop day of being chronically online when these two went back and forth. Though the rappers went tit for tat, pointing the finger at each other, it was one of the most significant moments in pop culture that consumed my attention.

2024 Film of the Year: Wicked

Did the movie just come out? Yes, and still, it became one of the films that consumed my algorithm daily. Not only did Wicked bring catchy songs and emotionally provoking acting, but it gave the desire to “hold space” for this entire era. Although I’m not a theater kid, I greatly appreciate the art of Broadway, and a film like this felt like a tribute to those who nurture and protect the theater culture. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were born for these roles, and these performances truly felt like a breath of fresh air we’ve needed in entertainment.

The Beyoncé Bowl Saves Christmas’24

Leave it to Beyoncé to gift the Beyhive with a Cowboy Carter medley on Christmas. The songstress continues to create a long-lasting with each performance, and the Christmas Halftime Show was no different. With flashy sets, stellar vocals, and surprise cameos from her album collaborators, the show set the timeline on fire. Of course, it wouldn't be a Beyoncé moment without a surprise; after her performance premiered, the singer took to socials to post the date 1.14.25. Though we’re unsure what this means, we’re keeping our coins and notifications on high alert for the new year.