16 things that shouldn't have been a thing in 2016

Never before has there been a year quite like this where just by referencing “2016″, it’s mutually accepted as a totally legitimate explanation for something ridiculous happening.

Stop insulting me, Twitter, because I assure you 2017 is going to be much worse.
Love, 2016
— Carlos Lozada (@CarlosLozadaWP) December 13, 2016

But there are some things this year really could have done without.

Putting to one side all the tragic celebrity deaths and terrifying political unrest, there’s also been lots of weird, silly and downright irritating stuff that people have absolutely crazy for.

These are definitely some of the worst so sit back and get ready for some serious head shaking.

1. The Mannequin Challenge

Don't stand still. Vote today: https://t.co/jfd3CXLD1s #ElectionDay #MannequinChallenge pic.twitter.com/4KAv2zu0rd
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) November 8, 2016

*Weeps at remembering a time pre-President-elect Trump*.

2. Boaty McBoatface

Our #NameOurShip campaign has now closed. Thank you all for your overwhelming interest and support. pic.twitter.com/xuSG0S7DaF
— NERC (@NERCscience) April 17, 2016

The ‘something McSomething-face’ trend shows no sign of going anywhere.

3. Ken Bone

The hero we don't deserve, but need. #kenbone #debate pic.twitter.com/Ep1sQUcbtA
— Brad Faucher (@toreap) October 10, 2016

He was a memorable guest at one of the US election debates with his red jumper, moustache and disposable camera conbo – but then some social media stalking revealed he wasn’t that much of a hero so it all got a bit awks.

4. Twitter accounts for cats

Police counterpurrveillance alert!
Crossed arms
black mittens
no match
for
this kitten @wikileaks #dnc #assange pic.twitter.com/pnB5NGcIAA
— Embassy Cat (@EmbassyCat) August 3, 2016

It’s unknown whether Julian Assange actually runs this account. Either way, writing from the cat’s perspective is pretty cringe.

5. Pokemon go

Pikachu has been spotted wearing a festive hat! Now until Dec. 29th at 10am PST, explore the world to discover this limited edition Pikachu. pic.twitter.com/YTuTHfEodU
— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) December 12, 2016

It came then it went. It shouldn’t have bothered.

6. Meme-inspired clothing

@nowthisnews let's connect! pic.twitter.com/SCWavORBGU
— Beloved Shirts (@BelovedShirts) October 25, 2016

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It’s okay when it’s on the internet. It’s not okay when it enters the real world.

7. “I would very much like to be excluded from this narrative”

"I would like to be excluded from this narrative" is how I'm going to respond to every unnecessary Reply All email chains I'm in from now on
— Dave O'Shaughnessy (@ogoknessy) July 19, 2016

The real takeaway line from the KimYe/Taylor Swift beef that has since been used numerous times in numerous annoying circumstances.

8. Drummond puddle watch

drummond puddle watch live stream (PA) — (PA)

Tens of thousands of people watched a live stream of a puddle in Newcastle. Then people started to do stupid stuff by the puddle. And it was all just very stupid.

9. Rainbow bagels

A perfectly good food product soaked in colouring and desperation for more Instagram likes. Sad.

10. Cristiano Ronaldo’s moth

Thought more people would've applauded me for comforting @Cristiano in a sad moment were he was crying apparently no pic.twitter.com/piHcqom4Xa
— Ronaldos Moth (@CristianosMoths) July 10, 2016

A moth landed on Ronaldo’s face during the Euros so naturally 15 Twitter accounts were created. 15. For a moth.

11. Honey G

Honey G at a press event (Philip Toscano/PA) — (Philip Toscano/PA)

She got SO FAR in the X Factor. How is that possible?

12. All those Harambe memes

Harambe would've loved this new emoji, don't you think? pic.twitter.com/Oq0yi7DRG8
— Mike Darnay (@MikeDarnay) December 14, 2016

His silverback soul seems to live on in every situation possible. Even in emoji form.

13. First world technology problems

Poorly designed mobile sites shouldn't be a thing in 2016
— Alive (@HalfCatLady) November 22, 2016

I mean, they really shouldn’t. Come on now.

14. Adult play activities

Ball pools. Bouncy castles. Just stop. Grow up.

15. Gary, the vegan cheese

All the #Gary from @sainsburys I'll never doubt you ever again, I promise. I'm sorry I considered changing supermarkets. #vegan pic.twitter.com/IRw854ngmb
— Charl (@charletron) October 3, 2016

When Sainsbury’s launched its line of vegan cheese, one outraged woman suggested the product be referred to as Gary, and not cheese. Because real cheese is not made from coconut.

16. 2016

Me at the beginning of 2016 VS the end of 2016 pic.twitter.com/U1ZspnfNlA
— lottie (@l0ttiehall) December 16, 2016

If only.