In November 2023, Josh Hutcherson found himself crowned White Boy of the Month, thanks in part to a viral meme that captivated the internet. As a result, Hutcherson’s name was everywhere, and with it came a flurry of career opportunities. But this wasn’t the first time a young male star had seen his life change due to a viral moment—and it likely won’t be the last.
Every few weeks or so, the internet picks a new “White Boy of the Month,” otherwise known as “The Internet’s Boyfriend.” This title, awarded by users on TikTok, is usually given to a young actor or singer who captures the hearts of teenage girls and enters the cultural conversation, usually in the form of hirst tweets and fan edits. In the past, stars like Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi and, of course, Hutcherson have all held this title, thanks to their charm, talent and the right viral moment.
But what exactly is it that draws us to these men? What makes them the perfect candidates to become the internet’s boyfriend, often with little more than a meme or a well-timed role?
The Quiet Confidence
There’s a certain type of man who gets crowned “White Boy of the Month,” and it’s not necessarily the loudest, most attention-seeking guy in the room. These men tend to have one thing in common: quiet confidence.
Though they may play intense or even aggressive characters (like Elordi’s portrayal of a hot-headed bad boy) off-screen, they come across as surprisingly humble, thoughtful and approachable.
In January of 2024, Jacob Elordi sniffed the infamous candle inspired by his bathwater in “Saltburn.” His attitude reminded us what we love about these men. What makes them so attractive isn’t just their good looks or star power—it’s their aura of being unaffected by fame. They don’t need to be the loudest or most outlandish; their natural coolness and charisma are enough to win us over.
It’s this contrast between the hard, tough characters they often portray and their grounded, almost docile personalities that makes them so compelling. There’s a certain appeal in the dichotomy of a man who can command the screen with raw power but remains humble and approachable in real life. It’s the golden retriever energy wrapped in a rugged exterior that feels irresistible.
The Ethics of Choosing an Internet Boyfriend
Evan Peters became White Boy of the Month in 2022 after the release of “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” While Peters’ portrayal of the infamous serial killer brought him widespread acclaim, it also sparked an ethical debate. Was it right to celebrate an actor for playing somebody tied to real-life trauma and violence?
Many of the men who receive the title “White Boy of the Month” play characters with morally questionable or outright violent backgrounds. Take for instance Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of Nate in Euphoria. The pattern is clear: there’s a certain attraction to these characters’ dangerous, intense nature.
The Power of the Meme
At the heart of this phenomenon is the meme. The viral meme edit has the power to turn an actor into an overnight sensation. For Josh Hutcherson, it wasn’t just the “Hunger Games” prequel release that put him in the spotlight again—it was the perfect viral edit.
Memes are the internet’s way of taking someone who may already be well-known and transforming them into a new, more relatable version of themselves. They allow us to feel a connection to these stars, humanizing them in a way that goes beyond their professional personas.
What do you think of the internet’s boyfriend phenomenon? Tag us on Instagram @VALLEYmag and let us know!
