How a petty lunchbox debate went viral

One of the most interesting aspects of social media is the seeming randomness of which videos or posts go viral. And the perfect example of that unpredictability is “Oreo-gate,” a series of Instagram posts that has racked up tens of millions of views across what is, as of this writing, twenty-one videos. The story has been featured on “Good Morning America,” along with articles in the New York Post, First Post, Business Insider, and more.

The videos revolve around a group chat put to music in which one mom is angry that her daughter was given Oreos at school. She then tries to get all the other moms to stop sending Oreos, even going so far as to email the school and check lunchboxes after the other moms say no.

The kids eventually find ways to start sneaking her daughter Oreos, with the latest post detailing an Oreo-themed birthday party. Overall, it’s petty and silly, but it’s just believable enough to have struck a chord with millions who have viewed the videos.

The comments are filled with stories of people going out to buy Oreos in solidarity with the group while sharing their own stories of unhinged debates over petty squabbles. Oreo’s official account even went so far as to post in the comments.

It turns out, however, that the whole thing is most likely fake. Still, there are a couple of important lessons we can take from this story.

Be careful how you speak online

The person behind the account that created the videos partners with Suno, an AI music generator, and if you look closely, the company’s hashtag appears on each post. Still, the videos went viral because, even if this specific story is fake, most of us can think of someone who fits the profile of Michelle, the overprotective mom in the messages who inexplicably hates on one of America’s greatest cookies (particularly once the double-stuff variety enters the chat).

And much of the story’s success is tied to the opportunity to view Michelle as an outlet for the pent-up frustrations of so often needing to be polite and accommodating to the most obnoxious voices in our lives. It’s far easier—and can feel far safer—to vent those frustrations at an anonymous villain online than it would be to take them to the version of Michelle that you know. As a result, whether the story is fact or fiction matters less than whether it’s relatable.

Still, it’s worth noting that when people first started commenting on the videos, few seemed to recognize they were fake. Many were willing to say some pretty awful things about a mom that they thought was real, and who might have read them.

That’s a problem, because the way we talk online eventually changes the way we talk in the real world. We may promise ourselves that it doesn’t, but we’re still creating patterns that cannot help but bleed through into our in-person interactions.

As silly as it may sound, that principle is why I always try to end my interactions with AI by saying “thank you.” And it’s why we need to remember that even seemingly anonymous message boards or comment sections are not anonymous to God. After all, it’s not our intended audience that determines whether our speech is sinful, and the Lord promises we’ll have to give an account for all of it (Matthew 12:36–37).

We all have a story to tell

The second principle for us to consider is more positive. As the team at First Post described, the videos’ success is “proof that a good story still sells better than any ad ever could.” And, as Christians, we have been given the remarkable privilege of sharing the greatest story ever told with the people God brings across our path.

The gospel—which literally means “good news”—is a story that has resonated with people for the better part of two thousand years. And, if you have given your life to Jesus, then you’re part of that message as a living example of the grace and mercy that God offers to every one of us.

What that looks like in your life can be the greatest advertisement for Jesus that the lost around us could ever hope to see. And your story doesn’t have to be filled with trials, tribulations, and storybook redemption to be powerful. It just has to be honest and reflect the truth of what God has done in your life.

It won’t help anyone if you keep it to yourself, though.

So, as we finish for today, take some time to ask the Lord to give you opportunities to share your story. And don’t be surprised if he asks you to start with those closest to you.

It can be easy to assume that the people who know you best know what God has done in your life as well, but that’s often not the case. If you’re married, when was the last time you shared your testimony with your spouse? If you have kids, how well do they know the story of what God has done for you? And if you were to ask your friends the same question, how would they respond?

One of the most important principles in all of Scripture is the fact that God often blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others (Genesis 12:2). Sharing the story of how God has blessed us—while also endeavoring to be sure that our time online doesn’t undermine that story—is one of the greatest blessings we have to offer.

With whom can you share that blessing today?

Quote of the day:

“You will have no test of faith that will not fit you to be a blessing if you are obedient to the Lord. I never had a trial but when I got out of the deep river I found some poor pilgrim on the bank that I was able to help by that very experience.” —A. B. Simpson

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