The term (or being "benched") evolved significantly in 2021, moving beyond just sports to describe social and digital experiences.
Entertainment apps like Snapchat and Instagram introduced "bootleg" versions of professional plastic surgery filters, often ironically referred to as "abuse" of the face's natural structure.
By late 2021, these disparate elements merged into a single "vibe." The "abuse" of traditional style rules, the embrace of "bootleg" authenticity, and the competitive nature of who "gets bench" (staying relevant) defined the era.
The "face" aspect of the keyword likely refers to the digital distortion trends of 2021.