Things that happened this 2022 but feel so long ago

It's been a long year.

So much happened in 2022 that it's hard to believe they all happened in the same calendar year. Do you find yourself saying, "Wait, that was only recently?" Join the club.

Here are some of the most talked about events in 2022 that you might find difficult to believe are still rather fresh.

1. Wordle

2020 kicked off with an interesting development — everyone suddenly became addicted to the game Wordle.

It's a free online puzzle that requires players to guess a five-letter word. There's a new one every day, so people kept going back to make their guesses.

In January, The New York Times acquired the game, and though the hype has died, there are probably still a bunch who religiously visit the site each day.

2. The Oscars slap

It was the slap heard all over the world.

During the 94th Academy Awards held in March, actor Will Smith walked onstage and slapped comedian Chris Rock across the face.

Rock was presenting for the Best Documentary Feature when he made a jab at Smith's wife Jaden, specifically her baldness — which was caused by the autoimmune disease alopecia. Smith didn't take kindly to it, which drove him to that shocking reaction.

He later apologized for the slap and resigned from the Academy.

3. Depp vs. Heard

The legal battle of Hollywood stars Johnny Depp and Amber Heard peaked during their highly publicized defamation trial held from April 11 to June 1, 2022.

After the weeks-long drama that gripped the internet, the Virginia civil jury ruled in favor of Depp. Jurors awarded Depp $15 million in damages from Heard, and the panel ordered Depp to pay Heard $2 million in damages.

Depp depicted the verdict as a vindication, and his former wife said it was "a disappointment."

4. 'Don't Worry Darling'

The film "Don't Worry Darling" became one of the most talked about movies this year, but not because of the actual film.

After a series of questionable events, fans began to wonder if all was well among the cast, which includes Harry Styles, Florence Pugh, and Chris Pine. The film is helmed by Olivia Wilde, who also starred in the film — and who also happened to be Styles' rumored girlfriend at the time.

It all culminated in the red carpet premiere of the movie, which gathered Wilde and the actors together. TikTok videos and Twitter memes emerged left and right as fans scrutinized every move and interaction of the movie stars.

Wilde later denied that there were any feuds among the cast.

5. Twitter's near death experience

Can you believe that just last month, we were all convinced that Twitter was going to die?

In November 18, #RIPTwitter trended following reports that employees of the company were mass resigning after new owner Elon Musk allegedly urged them to either agree to “long hours at high intensity,” or to leave the company.

People were going so far as to make new accounts on different social media platforms like Tumblr and Instagram.

It turned out there wasn't a need after all, since Twitter is still standing. For now.

Here's to a more eventful 2023. —JCB, GMA Integrated News