Recommended for you

The Dress Phenomenon

The day people wanted to gauge their eyes out over a dress...

Mar 02, 2015

On Thursday, February 26th, the internet blew up . And it was not due to the news net neutrality (which did pass and now internet will be treated as a utility, yay!), or a celebrity causing havoc at an awards show (hey Kanye). It was because of a stupid dress. Well, after at least 100 relationships were terminated and 400 friendships put at serious risk, not to mention the whole United States' sanity as a population, the "debate" over "blue and black or gold and white" was resolved with one simple thing- photo editing. The photo was just taken in poor lighting, and when it was boosted to its proper temperature or what have you, the whole world saw that this mysterious and demonic dress was in fact blue and black.

It is amazing how so many people could see such two different things from one picture. What is even more amazing is how over the span of a few hours, people all over the United States were debating this one, frankly hideous, dress. Some sororities had an official tally going, I myself received texts from at least 7 different people regarding the dress, which ensued in approximately 2 hours of arguing and investigating. The magical (or demonic) dress spread like wildfire, starting allegedly on Facebook, then spread through tumblr, gained momentum through a buzzed poll, then twitter, instagram, and other social media platforms until it was not just a new popular meme but America's most-talked "issue" of the day. Celebrities weighed in on the "issue", causing even more of an uproar. Taylor Swift declared it black and blue while also questioning her own sanity. Mindy Kaling aggressively argued with other stars over memes developing from the dress. Oscar winner Julianne Moore even joined the fight over her "black" oscar. The dress debate had gone nuclear, and for a few hours was on almost everyone's mind. A look at one's twitter or instagram or Facebook feed can prove that. Suddenly, somehow, everyone had become aware of this one dress.

This might sound crazy, but although this was such a frivolous and ridiculous event, and despite it causing some to slip into madness and argue with their closest friends, this poorly lit photograph of a stupid ugly dress miraculously held a whole nation captive. That is the power of the internet. It got thousands of people all over the country discussing the same thing, and in some ways that's almost as mind blowing as the dress itself.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Lifestyle

10 Truths About Being In A Sorority

(For Girls Who Are Interested In Greek Life)

LaGrange College

582

Rebekah Lee

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less

sorority life

Entertainment

10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break

You've gotta do something.

Grand Canyon University

201

Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less

must watch

Adulting

The Struggles of Being A Last Semester Senior, As Told By Michael Scott

25 reasons your last semester in college is the best and worst time of your life

Truman State University

1399

The day you walked onto your school's campus for the first time you were scared, excited, and unsure of how the next four years of your life were going to turn out. You doubted it would go fast and even though you weren't positive about what your future plans would hold, you had plenty of time. You figured out your major, added a minor or two, joined a handful of organizations and all of the sudden you're here. Your final semester of undergrad. Now you've got 25 problems and graduation is only one.

Keep Reading...Show less

last semester

Student Life

Syllabus Week At UD Explained By "The Office"

"The Office" understands the struggle of the first week back from winter break.

University of Dayton

1116

January 19th is the first day of the second semester at the University of Dayton, and students couldn't be more excited. However, the excitement that students are experiencing may be short-lived once they see what this semester's courses will entail. Although students will be happy to be back at Dayton, they may realize this semester will be more difficult than they predicted. Here are some things that happen during syllabus week explained by " The Office."