It's been another crazy and exciting year for social media in Lebanon. Looking back over the past 12 months, we thought we'd highlight a few of the things that everyone started sharing and talking about in 2015. From bizarre music releases, to diplomats departing, to breathtaking images of the country, virality in Lebanon is just as diverse as the population.
Here are 8 things everyone talked about this year.
1. Haifa Wehbe 's first English music video
Featuring the ex-boyfriend of Jennifer Lopez and a bizarre "Interstellar"-inspired setting, Haifa failed to impress most with her foray into English-language music. Well, haters gonna hate and she definitely got people talking.
2. Silvio Chiha 's breathtaking video
Asian waterskiing champion Silvio Chiha wowed Lebanon, showing-off his incredible wakeboarding skills along with the beauty of his beloved country.
3. That time Rihanna wore zaatar to the Met Gala
Okay, she didn't really wear a manoushe but everyone laughed about the idea anyway.
4. MTV interview with hotshot Lebanese guy
Lebanese news station MTV did a report on the unbearable summer heat and one Lebanese guy decided to take the opportunity to hit on the reporter. Watch at 0:32.
5. Issam “Simi” Merheb 's "velfies"
Lebanese funny-man Issam “Simi” Merheb went viral for his short video rants about Lebanese society. Whether you loved him or rolled your eyes, the actor and event planner was the talk of the town.
6. Tom Fletcher 's farewell letter
British Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher indulged the country in the most touching extended “ yalla bye ”, and a truly thoughtful farewell gift, a much-needed dose of inspiration.
As the trash piled up in Beirut, protestors took to the streets and social media to decry the government's inability to provide for the most basic of needs and services.
8. Facebook Safety Check
[include id="12" title="FacebookEmbed"]
Facebook Safety Check is probably the quickest and most efficient way to report that you are safe following an attack....
Posted by BlogBaladi on Friday, November 13, 2015
Lebanese on social media questioned why Facebook's Safety Check feature was activated following the Paris attacks but not after the bombings that happened in Beirut the prior day. The social media reaction went viral within the country and internationally.