What internet fad of the early 2010s involved planking in unusual locations and posting photos online?

The internet fad of the early 2010s that involved lying face-down in unusual locations and sharing photos online was known as planking. This quirky activity saw participants stiffen their bodies like a wooden plank, often with arms at their sides, and assume this pose in unexpected public or private settings. The goal was primarily for humorous effect and to create shareable content, aiming for virality across social media platforms.

While planking gained global prominence around 2011, its origins can be traced back to "The Lying Down Game," started by two friends (Review) in England in the late 1990s. They would amuse themselves by lying face down in public places, and later created a Facebook page for it in 2007. The phenomenon truly exploded in popularity when it spread to Australia, where the term "planking" was coined, and dedicated Facebook pages facilitated its rapid growth, allowing users to upload and share their creative (and sometimes precarious) poses.

At its peak, planking became a worldwide sensation, attracting participation from ordinary individuals and even celebrities. Photos of people planking on everything from park benches to airplane wings flooded the internet, showcasing both the creativity and daring of participants. However, the pursuit of increasingly unusual and dangerous locations also led to controversy and safety concerns, as some attempts resulted in injuries or, in tragic instances, fatalities. Despite the risks, planking remains a memorable example of a participatory internet meme that captured global attention for its sheer absurdity and social sharing appeal.