I first heard about Dalgona coffee when it started popping up all over my social media feeds. Friends and influencers were sharing pictures and videos of themselves making this frothy and delicious-looking beverage. Intrigued, I decided to delve into the phenomenon and find out why Dalgona coffee became such a viral trend on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
The Rise of Dalgona Coffee
A New Coffee Sensation
Dalgona coffee is a South Korean beverage made with instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. It is whipped together vigorously until it forms a creamy and cloud-like consistency. The mixture is then spooned over a glass of cold or hot milk, creating a beautiful layered effect.
Blending Tradition and Social Media
The origins of Dalgona coffee can be traced back to an Indian beverage called phenti hui coffee or beaten coffee. This traditional drink involves whipping together instant coffee, sugar, and milk to create a frothy delight. The concept was popularized in South Korea in early 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were staying at home and seeking ways to keep themselves entertained.
Why Did Dalgona Coffee Go Viral?
Visual Appeal
One of the primary reasons why Dalgona coffee gained immense popularity on social media is its visually appealing nature. The whipped coffee mixture forms a light, fluffy layer that looks impressive when spooned over the milk. The contrasting colors and layers create a stunning aesthetic, making it perfect for sharing on social media platforms that thrive on visual content.
Accessible Ingredients
Another reason behind the widespread popularity of Dalgona coffee is its simplicity in terms of ingredients. All you need is instant coffee, sugar, hot water, and milk. These are readily available in most households, making it easy for anyone to try their hand at making this trendy beverage. Its accessibility meant that people from all walks of life could participate in the Dalgona coffee phenomenon.
Feel-Good Factor
During challenging times, people often seek comfort in simple pleasures. Dalgona coffee became a source of joy and excitement for many individuals confined to their homes due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. Making and sharing Dalgona coffee on social media provided a sense of connection and community, allowing people to interact virtually while enjoying a shared experience.
The Power of Social Media
Instagram and Food Trends
Instagram has long been a platform known for its food-related trends. Whether it’s avocado toast or rainbow-colored foods, Instagram showcases the latest food crazes that capture the attention of users worldwide. Dalgona coffee’s photogenic quality and unique preparation method made it a perfect fit for Instagram’s visually-oriented culture, leading to its viral success.
TikTok and Creative Challenges
TikTok played a significant role in catapulting Dalgona coffee to viral stardom. The app’s short-form video format allowed users to showcase their creativity and share their Dalgona coffee-making process with the world. Dalgona coffee challenges, where individuals attempted to create the best-looking and most frothy beverage, became popular on TikTok, further amplifying the trend’s reach and engagement.
The Ripple Effect of Viral Trends
Creating a Sense of Belonging
Participating in a viral trend creates a sense of belonging and involvement. By sharing pictures or videos of their Dalgona coffee creations, individuals felt included in a larger community. People enjoy being a part of something bigger than themselves, and viral trends like Dalgona coffee provide that sense of connection and camaraderie, particularly during times of isolation.
Boosting FOMO
The fear of missing out (FOMO) can be a powerful motivator in driving the popularity of viral trends. Seeing others making and enjoying Dalgona coffee on social media platforms can create a sense of urgency to join in and try it for oneself. The fear of missing out on being part of a trendy experience can be a strong driving force behind the rapid spread of viral content.
Conclusion
Dalgona coffee’s rise to fame can be attributed to various factors, including its visual appeal, accessibility, and the power of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This viral trend provided an engaging and enjoyable activity for people worldwide during uncertain times. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or simply someone looking for a trendy and delicious drink, Dalgona coffee offers an exciting blend of ingredients and connection within the digital world. So, grab your instant coffee and whip up a batch of frothy goodness to join in on the Dalgona coffee craze!