The Era of Effortless Joy Is Here - Brands, Take Note

For better or worse, people have never shied away from expressing their feelings online. And in recent years, culture has turned trending memes into the mode of mass communication, speaking in a language defined by self-deprecation, ironic detachment and, my personal favourite, dark comedy.

But lately, there seems to be a shift away from the cynicism and toward something more hopeful…more pure. Now, people are romanticizing the ordinary—and they’re doing it through two trends initiated by Morgan Wallen and Drake. Naturally.

GET ME TO GOD’S COUNTRY

People across the internet are declaring their idea of heaven with a new trend called, 'Get me to God’s country'—and it’s all thanks to the man, the myth, the mullet: Morgan Wallen. The singer, who was recently SNL’s musical guest, abruptly walked offstage as the show was ending and proceeded to post a picture of a jet with the caption, 'Get me to God’s country.'

As far as Morgan is concerned, God’s country is probably somewhere in Tennessee or in the presence of a lifted truck. As far as the internet is concerned, God’s country can be anything from a chain restaurant to the Costco food court to your couch. As far as I’m concerned, God’s country is a baked potato bar or a room full of cats.

THIS IS THE FUNCTION

Interestingly enough, Drake—who I imagine spends most of his time tearing through Degrassi reruns—inspired another similar trend when, in his smash hit “Nokia,” he asked one remarkably philosophical question: 'Where the f*** the function?' (That’s 2025 speak for 'Where the party at?')

Now, as not to leave Drizzy hanging, people are sharing their idea of a good time, whether it’s hitting the beach or chilling at a Waffle House. The formula? Easy. Pair a video of whatever you’d call “a vibe” with a soundbite from the aforementioned banger, and a super reading “this is the function.”

THE CULTURAL SHIFT

In a digital world built on sarcasm and side-eyes, this sudden sincerity feels almost radical. But why is it happening?

It can’t be that life has gotten lighter. But it could be that everything has gotten louder.

The news is a nightmare. The social feeds never end. And everything feels like an opportunity. It’s exhausting. So in quiet protest, we’re collectively lowering the bar for happiness (and content) to a Triple Dipper, or you know, something other than Chili’s best-selling menu item.

WHY IT MATTERS

For brands, this is more than a fleeting meme cycle. It’s an invitation. These trends—low-stakes, deeply relatable, and refreshingly simple—are a way to show up without overreaching.

You don’t need to be the most innovative or the most irreverent. You just need to be present and willing to trade polish for personality.

So whether it’s nodding to God’s country or claiming your place at the function, the bar is blessedly low—and that’s the beauty of it. In a world defined by overstimulation, showing up with a little softness and silliness might just be the smartest move you can make.