Have you ever stumbled across a term online that left you unsettled, confused, or even a little horrified? That’s what happened with “LOL Superman”—a phrase that doesn’t refer to a game or meme, but something far darker. It’s tied to one of the most sensitive and controversial chapters in the history of the internet: the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. So what was LOL Superman, and why does it still come up in searches today? Let’s take a look.

At first glance, “LOL Superman” sounds like it could be a silly meme or a joke related to League of Legends, which is commonly abbreviated as “LoL.” But this phrase isn’t from the gaming world at all. It’s actually a disturbing and graphic reference to a video that supposedly captured people falling from the World Trade Center during the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. The footage, if it exists, is considered lost media—meaning it’s either extremely rare or has been deliberately removed from public view due to its graphic nature.

The name “LOL Superman” comes from the sickening way some corners of the internet treated the tragedy. The term mocks those who were seen falling from the towers, inappropriately comparing their desperate attempts to survive to a cartoonish or even heroic flight—hence, “Superman.” It’s a grim reminder of how the darkest moments in history can be twisted by internet culture, especially in the early days of the web when content moderation was far less strict.

• Mount Southington Southington Connecticut

Table of Contents

• What Was LOL Superman?
• The 9/11 Footage Controversy
• Why Does It Come Up in Searches?
• The Impact on Internet Culture
• How to Approach Sensitive Topics Online

What Was LOL Superman?

“LOL Superman” refers to an alleged video that circulated on the internet shortly after the 9/11 attacks. The footage is said to show people falling or jumping from the upper floors of the World Trade Center towers as the buildings were engulfed in flames. It’s believed that the video was shared on early forums and shock sites—places where users would post disturbing or taboo content to provoke reactions.

The name itself is a cruel play on words. “LOL” stands for “laugh out loud,” and “Superman” was used to mock the way some victims fell or jumped from the towers. In reality, those people were trying to escape a deadly situation, not flying like a hero. The phrase “LOL Superman” became a way to describe this disturbing content, though it’s not something that is widely discussed or shared today.

The existence of the video remains unconfirmed by mainstream sources, and many believe it was either taken down or never widely distributed. Either way, the phrase serves as a chilling example of how the internet can turn real-life tragedy into a form of dark entertainment.

• One Cup 2 Girls

The 9/11 Footage Controversy

There were a number of videos taken on the morning of September 11th, 2001. Some of those clips were used by news outlets to document the attacks, while others were captured by bystanders with personal cameras. However, not all footage was made public. Some images and videos were considered too graphic for broadcast or distribution, especially those showing people falling from the towers.

One of the most well-known videos of that day was captured by a French filmmaker named Jules Naudet. His footage, which was later aired by CBS News, showed the first plane hitting the North Tower and the subsequent evacuation of firefighters. But even that video didn’t show the jumpers, as the camera wasn’t aimed in that direction at the critical moment.

Still, the idea that someone would record and share footage of people falling—and then refer to it with a mocking name like “LOL Superman”—is deeply troubling. While the video may not exist in any public format today, the term persists in certain corners of the internet, often as a reference to lost media or as part of discussions about internet ethics.

Why Does It Come Up in Searches?

People search for “LOL Superman” for a number of reasons. Some may stumble across the term while exploring conspiracy theories or lost media communities. Others may hear it referenced in online discussions and want to understand what it means. In some cases, users may even be searching out of curiosity or morbid interest.

Google Trends shows that interest in the term spikes occasionally, usually tied to online events or discussions about internet culture, 9/11, or media ethics. While it’s not a mainstream search term, it does appear in niche forums, Reddit threads, and YouTube videos that explore the history of the internet.

It’s worth noting that many of these searches come from younger generations who weren’t alive during the 9/11 attacks and are trying to make sense of how the event was recorded, shared, and remembered online. For them, the term “LOL Superman” is part of a broader conversation about how the internet handles trauma and tragedy.

The Impact on Internet Culture

The story of “LOL Superman” is a sobering example of how internet culture has evolved over the years. In the early 2000s, online spaces were far less regulated, and users often shared content without considering the ethical implications. Shock videos, creepypasta, and dark humor were common, and many people treated the internet like a playground for extreme or taboo content.

Over time, social media platforms and content-sharing sites have implemented stricter policies around graphic content. Today, most major platforms would automatically flag or remove footage showing real-life death or violence. Still, the legacy of videos like “LOL Superman” remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked online behavior.

Some experts believe that the rise of digital ethics education and increased awareness around trauma-informed content has helped shift the way people approach sensitive topics online. But even now, the internet still struggles with how to handle controversial historical content—especially when it involves real-life tragedy.

How to Approach Sensitive Topics Online

If you’ve come across the term “LOL Superman” and want to learn more, it’s important to approach the topic with care. Here are a few tips for navigating sensitive content online:

• Be aware of your emotional state: Some topics can be emotionally triggering, especially those involving real-life trauma or death.
• Use trusted sources: Look for reputable websites or academic sources that provide context and ethical analysis.
• Don’t share graphic content: Even if you’re trying to raise awareness, avoid sharing or reposting sensitive material.
• Respect victims and their families: Always remember that behind every headline or internet reference is a real person who suffered loss.

By being thoughtful about how we engage with sensitive topics, we can help create a more responsible and compassionate internet.

If you’re interested in learning more about how online communities have evolved over time, you can check out our article on What Is Lost Media. It’s a great primer for understanding how digital culture shapes the way we remember history.

You might also want to read up on The History of Internet Forums, which explores the rise and fall of early online communities where terms like “LOL Superman” first appeared.

FAQs

Is the “LOL Superman” video real?

There is no confirmed, publicly available footage that matches the description of the “LOL Superman” video. The term is often used to refer to lost media or urban legends surrounding the 9/11 attacks, but no verified version of the video exists today.

Why is it called “LOL Superman”?

The name is a dark, mocking reference to people falling or jumping from the World Trade Center towers during the 9/11 attacks. It combines the internet slang “LOL” (laugh out loud) with “Superman,” implying a cartoonish or heroic fall—something that is deeply disrespectful and offensive.

Can I watch the video online?

Due to the graphic nature of the alleged footage, most platforms have policies against sharing or distributing such content. If the video ever existed, it’s likely been removed or exists only in private collections. It’s important to consider the ethical implications before searching for or sharing content related to real-life tragedies.