A surprising demographic has recently captivated the internet’s attention: grandparents. Senior citizens of TikTok have surged in popularity, for they are the heroes who never fail to bring a smile to our faces. Amidst toxic media culture, these influencers are a light in the darkness. From relationship advice and cooking videos to funny POV shorts, these grandparents do it all, earning them the title of the internet’s grandparents.
One such beloved figure is Lillian Droniak, affectionately known as @Grandma_Droniak. The 93-year old influencer has amassed a staggering 12.6 million followers on TikTok, captivating audiences with her satirical life advice and candid dating escapades. In her recent video, Grandma Droniak recounted her dating experiences over the past year. Which amassed a total of five dates– two of whom she met at bingo, one at a funeral, one at a bar, and one on Instagram.
With her trademark wit, she shared the outcomes of these encounters with humorous anecdotes.
“This is what happened to them: one wasn’t honest, one died, I ghosted two and one became my boyfriend,” said Droniak in the video. “You might be wondering how many I kissed. I kissed all of them.”
Grandma Droniak’s journey as an influencer began in 2012 when she started making YouTube videos with her grandson Kevin. However, it was her candid post about re-entering the dating scene after a 25-year hiatus following her husband’s passing that catapulted her to internet stardom. Her first viral video showcased her confidence and humor as she prepared for a date, garnered over 71 million views, and solidified her status as an internet icon.
“This is my outfit. If he doesn’t like it, he could leave. All I want is a free dinner. I’m not even going to bring my wallet,” Droniak said in that video.
Beyond her online persona, Droniak is a mother of three, grandmother of five, and great-grandmother of three. Her resilience, humor, and enduring spirit especially serves as a source of inspiration for those navigating the complexities of growing up and getting older.
“It made me happy that I had more of an eventful dating life in 2023 than the younger generations,” Dornniak said.
Grandma Droniak’s refreshingly honest approach to dating, coupled with her unapologetic zest for life, has endeared her to millions around the world.
Another cherished figure of internet grandparents was Lynn Yamada Davis, affectionately known as Lynija. Renowned for her mesmerizing cooking videos, @cookingwithlynija amassed a devoted 11.4 million followers on Tik Tok. Collaborating with fellow culinary creators, her videos brought joy and inspiration to many. Tragically, Lynn Yamada Davis’s life was cut short on January 1, 2024, by esophageal cancer, a devastating blow felt deeply across the internet. However, her legacy lives on through the impact of her joyful spirit and unwavering optimism. Even in the face of adversity, Lynn Yamada Davis remained a beacon of light, reminding us to savor life’s simple pleasures and find beauty in every small moment.
In the ever-changing world of the media, these internet grandparents stand as a pillar of hope and joy. Their wisdom, kindness, and resilience reminds us to all find the best versions of ourselves. The stories of their lives remind us of the power in human connections and the importance of embracing all of life’s adventures, no matter age or circumstances. As we navigate the vastness of the media, may we continue to cherish and celebrate the valuable contributions of these beloved grandparents who never cease to bring a smile to our screens and hearts.