The Viral "PowerPoint Night" Trend
... and why it’s the most terrifyingly glorious idea EVER.
by CHLOE HECHTER ★ DECEMBER 5, 2020
If you’re on the right side of TikTok, then you’ve definitely seen the latest in girls’-night-in activity: PowerPoint night. Whichever evil genius came up with the idea of pouring your heart and soul into a full-on argumentative presentation that has absolutely nothing to do with anything genuinely began a revolution. This simple yet effective means of education on a particular topic evolved into so much more than Tuesday’s notes from your astronomy lecture. At first, you may see this as an innocent internet trend used to pass time in the Q, but these (occasionally) borderline insane PowerPoints require a certain level of intelligence and skill in persuasion.
Welcome to my TEDTalk on why PowerPoint night is ICONIC *cue slideshow.* The PowerPoint night trend began due to a lack of ways to obtain new knowledge and education brought on by COVID, and at first, the topics remained somewhat neutral. However, as this trend began to pick up more and more traction, people began exploring extremely clever and niche topics that made it a viral phenomenon. This requires a knowledge of your audience—whether it be your roommates, your family, or your closest friends. Your rhetorical strategies in convincing your audience of something as specific and ridiculous as “Why Zach Gordon from Diary of a Wimpy Kid is my Soulmate,” are just as important as they are in your paper on the global impact of deforestation.
Not only do these PowerPoints offer a creative outlet in an otherwise seemingly never-ending routine of staying in, but they actually teach valuable skills such as public speaking and LITERALLY the use of ethos, pathos, and logos. Um, hello. This trend has become an integral part of the 2020 entertainment scope, and making them is just as much fun as watching them. Putting together a convincing argument about something WAY too specific is an excellent way to pass time—personally, I had a fantastic night making a PowerPoint entitled “HOW Are We Still Single?!” (it’s pretty convincing, BTW) and then watching “Our Matches as the Men from How I Met Your Mother” to compliment it.
If you’re looking for a Christmas break weekend activity, PowerPoint night is the perfect balance between the stupidly entertaining and the intellectually stimulating. Here’s some inspo for PowerPoints to make if you’re stuck:
Which Sorority/Fraternity Each Character from *TV Show* Would Be In
Our Friends As Dogs
Why Every Guy I’ve Liked Is Weirdly the Same Person
The Worst Things Men Have Said To Me
My COVID Pending Bucket List
Liking The Office is NOT a Personality Trait
Why *your fave food* is the Superior Breakfast Food
Unlike any school-related presentation you’ve spent all week dreading, get ready and excited to do your research, pick a theme, and get ready for PowerPoint night. This versatile and hilarious new way to pass time is sure to make your entire break and become your newest tradition.
Cover photo credit: Pinterest (Urban Outfitters)