Title: McDonald’s Embraces Dark Social Media Trend Involving Grimace as Free Advertising
Date: [Insert Date]
In recent weeks, fast-food giant McDonald’s has found itself at the center of a viral social media trend involving its beloved mascot, Grimace. The trend, initially popularized on TikTok, involves users pretending to convulse and “die” after drinking the limited-edition purple Grimace shake. Despite the eerie nature of the trend, McDonald’s has taken a surprising approach, embracing it and allowing Grimace himself to respond.
Grimace, the big, purple blob known for his jovial and friendly demeanor, took to Twitter from the official McDonald’s account to address the trend. In a tweet, Grimace humorously wrote, “meee pretending I don’t see the grimace shake trendd.” This playful response by the character exemplifies McDonald’s ability to connect with its audience and adapt to the ever-changing social media landscape.
CNN anchor Max Foster addressed the viral trend, highlighting the popularity of the limited-edition Grimace shake. Foster deadpanned, “On TikTok, users have gone viral for drinking the shake, then appearing to convulse and die. The implication is that Grimace killed them.” McDonald’s, when asked for comment, referred to Grimace’s humorous tweet, further amplifying the trend.
The trend reached its climax when a group of six Gen-Zers toasted Grimace on his birthday, proudly celebrating with their purple shakes. However, the situation quickly escalated, and the young men were shown strewn about a playground, with trails of purple goo leading to what can be referred to as “grime scenes.”
Social media platforms were flooded with such dramatic portrayals, resulting in bizarre and visually striking images. A sedan trunk with a body hanging out, dripping purple goo; a basketball hoop adorned with a purple-stained net and a draped body; and a bathtub covered in dusky handprints with a sputtering individual covered in the purple milkshake—all of these unique tableaus splattered with the vibrant color of McDonald’s limited-edition shake.
Although the response to the trend took on a grisly nature, The New York Times reported that McDonald’s is likely not too concerned. Callie Holtermann, reporting for the Sunday edition, highlighted that Jonah Berger, an associate professor of marketing at the Wharton School, believes McDonald’s is benefiting from free advertising. Berger stated, “It’s not only raising awareness of the brand, but it makes the brand cooler among a key demographic, which is young people.”
The integration of this dark social media trend into McDonald’s marketing strategy showcases the company’s ability to capitalize on unconventional methods of advertisement. The trend not only generates buzz but also increases brand awareness and enhances its appeal to younger demographics.
Whether or not the trend will continue to evolve or fizzle out remains to be seen. However, for now, McDonald’s seems content to embrace the humor and engage with its audience through the unexpected popularity of their purple shake and its infamous mascot, Grimace.
Watch the CNN clip above for a closer look at the trend’s eerie portrayal and its impact on McDonald’s.