Origin
Audio clip posted to Reddit on May 14, 2018 asking “What do you hear?” Some people heard “Yanny,” others “Laurel” - creating audio equivalent of 2015’s “The Dress” visual phenomenon.
Viral Explosion
Within 48 hours became worldwide phenomenon. Ellen DeGeneres, celebrities, news outlets, politicians all weighed in. Audiologists explained the frequency-based perceptual difference.
Science
The recording (from Vocabulary.com defining “laurel”) contained overlapping frequencies. Younger people/better high-frequency hearing heard “Yanny.” Older people/bass-focused hearing heard “Laurel.” Volume and EQ settings affected perception.
Cultural Impact
Created massive online divisions, with people unable to comprehend how others heard differently. Workplaces, families, classrooms split into Team Yanny vs Team Laurel.
Peak Duration
May 14-20, 2018 completely dominated internet. Explained by science, debunked as definitively “Laurel” in original recording, but perception differences remained.