In 2012, we re-elected a President, weathered devastating storms, witnessed horrific shootings, and watched our fellow Americans capture gold abroad—and we tweeted every second of it. These days, it’s damn near impossible to picture a world pre-Twitter, or imagine a time when we weren’t instantly and constantly connected to the rest of the planet (and beyond!) via social media. Twitter is an integral part of how we consume news, entertainment, and sports; communicate and share information with each other; and, OK, occasionally post about that awesome slice of pizza we just ate.
So the social media team at Men’s Health wanted to look back at the crazy year that was—and the tweets that accompanied it.
1. The Commander in Chief
Four more years. twitter.com/BarackObama/st…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 7, 2012
On Election Night, President Barack Obama posted this tweet immediately before taking the stage to make his acceptance speech. It soon became the most retweeted message ever, garnering over 810,000 retweets that were sent by supporters in over 200 countries.
2. The Pissed-Off Player
Fuck it NFL.. Fine me and use the money to pay the regular refs. — TJ Lang (@TJLang70) September 25, 2012
Green Bay Packer TJ Lang posted this tweet in response to the infamous blown touchdown call by a replacement referee in the Packers-Seahawks Monday Night Football game on September 25. Lang’s tweet has garnered nearly 100,000 retweets to date and is the most retweeted post of the entire NFL season. The NFL decided not to fine Lang, and the referee lockout ended just 2 days later. (Maybe it was Lang’s angry tweet that finally sealed the deal.)
3. The Space Cadet
Yes, I’ve got a laser beam attached to my head. I’m not ill tempered; I zapped a rock for science: 1.usa.gov/P7IXF1 #MSL #PewPew
— Curiosity Rover (@MarsCuriosity) August 19, 2012
On August 13, NASA successfully landed a robot on the surface of Mars. In the weeks and months following the Curiosity landing, NASA’s team tweeted photos and snarky commentary that spread like wildfire across the Twittersphere. Case in point, this “#PewPew” post from August 19, which was retweeted nearly 4,500 times.
4. The Gym Buff
Soccer players are significantly smarter than, well, pretty much everyone, says a new study. Here’s why: ow.ly/aeYpa — Men’s Health Mag (@MensHealthMag) April 12, 2012
On April 12, we posted a story about Why Soccer Players Are Smarter Than You. It subsequently received over 2,500 retweets and quickly became the most successful tweet we’ve ever posted. Our @MensHealthMag feed also went on to surpass the millionth-follower milestone in August.
5. The Wise Old Man
“We ain’t a sharp species. We kill each other over arguments about what happens when you die, then fail to see the fucking irony in that.”
— Justin (@shitmydadsays) June 4, 2012
Talk about wisdom from your elders—this popular feed is chock full of it. This tweet was one of the most successful that the account posted all year long, racking up nearly 25,000 retweets.
6. The Funny Guy
ME WATCHING OLYMPIC EVENT: “Holy shit that was amazing!”COMMENTATOR: “Ooh, that was not good at all. He must really be upset with himself.” — rob delaney (@robdelaney) July 31, 2012
If there’s anyone who knows how to be funny in 140 characters, it’s Rob Delaney. (Check out his advice on How to Craft a Hilarious Tweet.) The comedian’s Olympic observation, which soared to over 8,500 retweets, is just one of the many lewd, crude gems the comedian tweets out every day.
7. The Deep Sea Diver
Just arrived at the ocean’s deepest pt. Hitting bottom never felt so good. Can’t wait to share what I’m seeing w/ you @deepchallenge
— James Cameron (@JimCameron) March 25, 2012
On March 25, Titanic and Avatar director James Cameron became the first person to use Twitter from 35,755 feet beneath the sea, making this the deepest tweet ever. (Which made us wonder: How the hell did he have reception?!? Impressive.)
8. The Comeback Kid
2 yrs ago I was told I might never walk again. Just WALKED off plane in Indy to play in The #SuperBowl. #TakeThatSh*tCancer — Mark Herzlich (@MarkHerzlich) January 30, 2012
In May 2009, linebacker Mark Herzlich was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in his third year of college at Boston College. Fast-forward to January 30, 2012, when Herzlich (now a New York Giant) posted this tweet as he arrived in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI on February 5 against the Patriots. The inspirational message prompted nearly 40,000 retweets.
9. The Human Dolphin
Proud of the greatest Olympian ever @michaelphelps I am sure going to miss racing him
— Ryan Lochte (@ryanlochte) August 4, 2012
Over 150 million tweets about the London Olympics were sent last summer, and this post from Ryan Lochte congratulating teammate Michael Phelps was one of them. Lochte, who appeared on our July/August cover, didn’t do too shabby himself, ending the London Games with 11 career Olympic medals.
10. The Fearless Badass
I know! Being a worthless piece of shit can really age a person. RT @chrisbrown: I look old as fuck! I’m only 23… — Jenny Johnson (@JennyJohnsonHi5) November 25, 2012
This tweet from comedian Jenny Johnson, which was retweeted over 8,600 times, sparked a Twitter battle that resulted in singer Chris Brown deleting his Twitter account altogether. In the age of social media, one person really can make a difference.
11. The Ultimate Motivator
Think back 5 yrs ago. Think of where you’re at today. Think ahead 5 yrs andwhat you want to accomplish. #BeUnstoppable
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) November 12, 2011
No “Best of Twitter” list is complete without a message from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The actor posts a mix of hilarious tidbits and motivational sayings that spread like wildfire on Twitter. Case in point: This tweet, which received over 7,000 retweets.
12. The Father-to-Be
I’m going to be a father! Well, on TV at least. The “Boy Meets World” sequel is officially happening!
— Ben Savage (@BenSavage) November 26, 2012
Actor Ben Savage took to his Twitter feed to officially announce a sequel to Boy Meets World called—you guessed it—Girl Meets World. His tweet was subsequently retweeted over 115,000 times. (Presumably all by kids of the ’90s.) Know what we call that? Tweet meets world!
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