"Oh My Gosh What Do I Do": The Anatomy of a Viral TikTok Meme

Introduction

In the age of social media, memes have become a ubiquitous part of our online lives. They serve as a shorthand for expressing complex emotions, ideas, and experiences, and have the power to unite people across cultures and generations. One of the most popular and enduring memes of recent years is "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do," which originated on TikTok and quickly spread to other platforms. In this article, we‘ll take a deep dive into the origins, popularity, and cultural significance of this meme, and explore what it tells us about the state of online communication and culture in the 2020s.

The Birth of a Meme: The Origins of "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do"

The "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" meme was born on January 17th, 2021, when TikTok user @cadetarchick posted a video of himself drinking a can of sparkling water. In the video, which is just 15 seconds long, @cadetarchick can be seen cracking open the can and taking a sip, before exclaiming "oh my gosh, what do I do?" as he starts to burp uncontrollably. He then bangs his head against a garage door in frustration, before the video cuts off.

Despite its simplicity, the video quickly went viral on TikTok, racking up over 10 million views and 2 million likes in just a few days. It also inspired countless remixes, reactions, and parodies from other users, who used the original audio and format to create their own versions of the meme.

Sadly, @cadetarchick‘s original video was eventually taken down from TikTok, along with his entire account, for reasons that are unclear. However, by that point, the "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" meme had already taken on a life of its own, and continues to be popular to this day.

The Numbers Don‘t Lie: The Popularity of "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" on TikTok and Beyond

To get a sense of just how popular the "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" meme has become, let‘s take a look at some statistics from TikTok and other social media platforms:

As these numbers show, the "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" meme has had a massive impact on social media, particularly on TikTok where it originated. The main hashtag associated with the meme, #ohmygoshwhatdoido, has been viewed over 3 billion times on the platform, while related hashtags like #ohmygosh and #whatdoido have also racked up hundreds of millions of views each.

The meme has also spread to other platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where it continues to be popular among users of all ages and backgrounds. On Instagram, the #ohmygoshwhatdoido hashtag has been used on over 500 million posts, while on Twitter, tweets containing the phrase "oh my gosh what do i do" have been liked and retweeted over 200 million times.

Variations on a Theme: Popular "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" Memes and Remixes

One of the key factors behind the enduring popularity of the "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" meme is its versatility and adaptability. The original video may have been simple, but it provided a template that could be easily remixed and customized by other users to fit a wide range of situations and contexts.

Here are just a few examples of popular "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" memes and remixes:

1. The @xxedgaar Remix: One of the most popular remixes of the original meme was created by TikTok user @xxedgaar, who used the "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" audio to capture the feeling of accidentally spilling a drink all over the floor. In the video, which has been viewed over 20 million times, @xxedgaar can be seen opening a can of Raspberry Blackberry Sparkling Water, only to have it spray all over the place. He then exclaims "oh my gosh, what do I do?" before starting to burp uncontrollably, just like in the original video.

2. The @thesotyfam Remix: Another popular remix was created by @thesotyfam, a TikTok account run by the Shot of The Yeagers family, who have over 5.9 million subscribers on YouTube. In their version of the meme, which has been viewed over 230,000 times, the family uses the "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" audio to capture the feeling of being told that your sister is cute. The video shows various members of the family reacting with shock and confusion, before exclaiming "oh my gosh, what do I do?"

3. The @kyleewarnerr Remix: TikTok user @kyleewarnerr put a romantic twist on the "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" meme in a video that has been viewed over 500,000 times. In the video, @kyleewarnerr uses the original audio to capture the moment when you realize you have feelings for your best friend. The video shows her hanging out with a male friend, before suddenly exclaiming "oh my gosh, what do I do?" as she realizes her true feelings for him.

These are just a few examples of the many creative ways in which TikTok users have remixed and adapted the "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" meme to fit their own experiences and perspectives. The versatility of the meme is a testament to its universal appeal, and helps explain why it has remained so popular for so long.

The Psychology of a Meme: Why "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" Resonates with So Many People

At its core, the "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" meme is all about capturing a specific emotional state: the feeling of being overwhelmed, confused, or caught off guard by a sudden turn of events. It‘s a feeling that most of us can relate to, whether we‘re dealing with a minor inconvenience like spilling a drink, or a major life event like realizing we have feelings for someone.

According to Dr. Jessica Myrick, a professor of media psychology at Penn State University, the popularity of memes like "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" can be explained by the way they tap into universal human experiences and emotions. "Memes are a way for people to express themselves and connect with others who share similar experiences or feelings," she says. "They provide a shorthand for communicating complex ideas and emotions in a way that is easily understood and shared."

In the case of "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do," the meme‘s popularity may also be tied to the specific way in which it captures the feeling of being overwhelmed or caught off guard. The phrase "oh my gosh, what do I do?" is a common one, but it‘s rarely used in such a literal and exaggerated way as it is in the meme. By taking this familiar phrase and turning it into a physical performance, complete with burping and head-banging, the meme creates a sense of absurdity and humor that is hard to resist.

The Role of Mobile Internet Technology in Meme Culture

Of course, the popularity of memes like "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" wouldn‘t be possible without the rise of mobile internet technology and social media platforms like TikTok. These platforms have made it easier than ever for people to create, share, and consume memes, and have helped to democratize the process of cultural production.

One of the key features of TikTok that has contributed to the success of memes like "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" is its emphasis on short-form video content. Unlike other social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, which are primarily text-based, TikTok is all about video, with most clips lasting just 15-60 seconds. This format is perfectly suited to memes, which rely on quick, easily digestible content that can be shared and remixed by others.

Another important factor is TikTok‘s algorithm, which is designed to surface popular and engaging content to users based on their interests and behavior on the app. This means that when a meme like "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" starts to gain traction, it can quickly spread to millions of users who might not have otherwise encountered it.

Tips and Best Practices for Creating Successful "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" Memes

If you‘re interested in creating your own "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" meme, here are a few tips and best practices to keep in mind:

1. Use the original audio: While you can certainly create your own audio or remix the original, using the recognizable "oh my gosh, what do I do?" soundbite is key to making your meme instantly recognizable and relatable to others.

2. Keep it simple: The best "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" memes are often the simplest ones, with just a few key elements that work together to create a sense of humor or relatability. Don‘t try to overcomplicate things or cram too much into your meme.

3. Be creative with your visuals: While the audio is important, the visuals are just as crucial in creating a successful meme. Try to come up with creative and eye-catching visuals that complement the "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" theme, whether it‘s a funny facial expression, an unexpected prop, or a clever use of text.

4. Timing is everything: As with any meme, timing is key to making your "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" video land with maximum impact. Make sure your visuals and audio are perfectly synced up, and don‘t be afraid to experiment with different rhythms and pacing to find what works best.

The Future of Memes: Predictions and Emerging Trends

As we‘ve seen with the "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" meme, the world of online culture is constantly evolving, with new trends and formats emerging all the time. As we look to the future, it‘s clear that memes will continue to play a major role in shaping the way we communicate and express ourselves online.

One trend that is already starting to emerge is the use of AI and machine learning to create and distribute memes. In recent years, we‘ve seen the rise of "deepfakes," or videos that use AI to superimpose one person‘s face onto another‘s body, often for humorous or satirical effect. As this technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, we can expect to see more memes that blur the line between reality and fiction, and that challenge our assumptions about what is real and what is fake.

Another trend to watch is the increasing importance of "meme marketing," or the use of memes as a tool for brands and advertisers to connect with younger audiences. As more and more companies look to TikTok and other social media platforms to reach Gen Z and Millennial consumers, we can expect to see a growing number of branded memes and sponsored content that seeks to capitalize on the latest viral trends and formats.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" meme is more than just a funny video or a popular hashtag. It‘s a reflection of the way we live and communicate in the age of social media, and a testament to the power of the internet to bring people together and create shared cultural experiences.

Whether you‘re a seasoned meme creator or just a casual observer, there‘s no denying the impact that memes like "Oh My Gosh What Do I Do" have had on our online lives. They make us laugh, they make us think, and they help us connect with others in ways that were once unimaginable. As we look to the future, it‘s clear that memes will continue to evolve and adapt to new technologies and cultural trends, but their fundamental role in shaping our digital lives will remain as important as ever.