Origin Story: How Did 'This Became This' Meme Start?

The internet is a wild and wonderful place, teeming with memes that capture our collective consciousness. One such meme that has taken the online world by storm is the "This became this" meme. But where did it all begin? What's the origin story behind this hilarious and relatable format? Let's dive into the fascinating journey of how "This became this" became a viral sensation. Guys, buckle up, because we're about to explore the evolution of internet humor!

The Genesis of a Meme

The "This became this" meme typically showcases a transformation, often highlighting an unexpected or humorous outcome. It usually consists of two images: the first representing an initial state or intention, and the second depicting the eventual, often comical, result. This format is incredibly versatile, lending itself to a wide range of subjects, from personal experiences to broader societal observations. Think about it – haven't we all had moments where our best-laid plans went hilariously awry? That's the sweet spot this meme hits!

The exact origin of the meme is a bit murky, as is often the case with internet phenomena. However, it gained significant traction in the late 2010s, particularly on platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Tumblr. These platforms provided the perfect breeding ground for the meme to evolve and spread like wildfire. Early examples often involved relatable situations, such as starting a diet (this) and ending up eating a whole pizza (this), or attempting a DIY project (this) and creating a hilarious disaster (this). The simplicity and relatability of the format were key to its initial appeal. The meme spoke to the universal human experience of things not always going as planned, and it did so in a way that was both funny and easily shareable.

What really propelled the meme into the stratosphere was its adaptability. It wasn't confined to a specific topic or demographic. Whether you were a student, a professional, or a stay-at-home parent, you could find a way to make the "This became this" meme relevant to your life. This universality is a hallmark of successful memes, allowing them to transcend niche internet communities and become part of the broader cultural conversation. The meme’s inherent structure also encouraged creativity and innovation. People started experimenting with different image combinations, adding layers of irony and satire to the format. This constant evolution kept the meme fresh and engaging, preventing it from becoming stale or repetitive. The use of trending topics and current events further amplified its reach, as people used the meme to comment on everything from politics to pop culture. It became a way to express opinions, share experiences, and poke fun at the absurdities of modern life, all within a concise and easily digestible format. So, while the precise moment of origin may remain elusive, the factors that contributed to its rise are clear: relatability, adaptability, and a healthy dose of humor.

The Spread and Evolution

Once the "This became this" meme started gaining momentum, it didn't take long for it to infiltrate every corner of the internet. Social media platforms played a crucial role in its dissemination. Users began creating their own versions, tweaking the format to fit their personal experiences and senses of humor. This organic, user-generated content further fueled the meme's popularity.

Different communities and subcultures also adopted the meme, tailoring it to their specific interests. For example, gamers might create versions that showed the difference between their expectations for a game and the reality of playing it. Similarly, programmers could use the format to highlight the challenges of coding, contrasting the initial idea with the final, bug-ridden product. This ability to be customized and localized is a key factor in the longevity of many successful memes. It allows them to stay relevant and engaging, even as the broader internet culture shifts and evolves. The spread was also aided by the rise of meme aggregator accounts and websites. These platforms curate and share the best examples of internet humor, effectively amplifying the reach of individual memes. When a "This became this" meme was featured on a popular meme page, it could reach millions of people in a matter of hours, further solidifying its place in the internet pantheon. The meme also benefited from its inherent remixability. Users would often take existing examples and modify them, creating meta-memes that commented on the original format. This self-referential humor added another layer of complexity and appeal, attracting a wider audience and ensuring that the meme remained fresh and engaging. In short, the spread and evolution of the "This became this" meme was a collaborative effort, driven by the creativity and participation of countless internet users.

Why is it so Popular?

So, what makes the "This became this" meme so popular? Why has it resonated with so many people across the globe? There are several factors at play. First and foremost, it's incredibly relatable. We've all experienced the frustration of things not going according to plan. Whether it's a failed cooking experiment, a disastrous home renovation, or a career setback, the "This became this" meme captures that universal feeling of disappointment and unexpected outcomes. This relatability makes the meme instantly accessible and engaging. People see themselves in the scenarios depicted and can't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.

Another key factor is its simplicity. The format is straightforward and easy to understand. There are no complex layers of meaning or obscure references. Anyone can look at a "This became this" meme and immediately grasp the intended message. This simplicity makes it highly shareable, as people don't need to explain the joke to their friends or followers. The visual nature of the meme also contributes to its popularity. Images are processed much faster than text, making the meme highly impactful and memorable. A well-chosen image can convey a complex idea or emotion in a matter of seconds, making it perfect for the fast-paced world of social media. The meme's versatility is another important factor. It can be applied to virtually any topic or situation, from personal anecdotes to political commentary. This adaptability allows it to stay relevant and engaging, even as the internet culture shifts and evolves. Finally, the meme's inherent humor is a major draw. Laughter is a powerful emotion, and memes that make us laugh are more likely to be shared and remembered. The "This became this" meme often uses humor to defuse potentially negative or frustrating situations, turning them into something lighthearted and relatable. This ability to find humor in the everyday struggles of life is a key reason why the meme has become so popular.

Examples of the Meme in Action

To truly appreciate the brilliance of the "This became this" meme, let's look at some examples. These will illustrate the versatility and humor of the format, showcasing how it can be applied to a wide range of situations.

• The Diet Fiasco: This classic example shows a picture of a healthy salad as the "This" and a picture of a greasy pizza as the "This." It perfectly captures the struggle of trying to maintain a healthy diet, only to succumb to the temptations of junk food. Everyone who has ever tried to lose weight can relate to this scenario.
• The DIY Disaster: Another popular example features a picture of a beautifully crafted piece of furniture as the "This" and a picture of a pile of broken wood and tools as the "This." It highlights the often-frustrating experience of attempting a do-it-yourself project, only to end up with a complete mess. Many people have experienced the pain of a DIY project gone wrong, making this meme highly relatable.
• The Coding Catastrophe: This meme, popular among programmers, shows a picture of a clean, well-organized code as the "This" and a picture of a jumbled mess of code with numerous bugs as the "This." It perfectly illustrates the challenges of software development, where even the best-laid plans can go awry. Programmers often share these memes to commiserate about the difficulties of their profession.
• The Travel Trouble: This version features a picture of a pristine beach as the "This" and a picture of a crowded, tourist-filled beach as the "This." It captures the disappointment of traveling to a popular destination, only to find that it's not as idyllic as you had hoped. Many travelers can relate to the experience of overcrowded tourist spots.
• The Relationship Realities: This meme shows a picture of a romantic date night as the "This" and a picture of two people sitting in silence, staring at their phones as the "This." It humorously depicts the realities of modern relationships, where technology often interferes with face-to-face interaction. Couples often share these memes to poke fun at their own habits.

The Enduring Legacy

The "This became this" meme has undoubtedly left its mark on internet culture. Its simplicity, relatability, and versatility have made it a timeless classic. While memes come and go, some manage to achieve a level of staying power that sets them apart. The "This became this" meme is one of those. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its ability to capture the human experience in a funny and engaging way.

Even as new memes emerge and trends change, the "This became this" meme continues to pop up in various forms. It has become a part of the internet's collective vocabulary, a shorthand way of expressing the gap between expectation and reality. Its influence can be seen in other meme formats and online humor, demonstrating its lasting impact on the digital landscape. The meme's success also highlights the power of user-generated content. It was the creativity and participation of countless individuals that propelled the meme to stardom. This collaborative aspect of internet culture is what makes it so dynamic and unpredictable.

In conclusion, the "This became this" meme is more than just a fleeting internet fad. It's a reflection of our shared experiences, a celebration of humor, and a testament to the power of online communities. So, the next time you see a "This became this" meme, take a moment to appreciate the ingenuity and creativity that went into its creation. And remember, sometimes the best memes are the ones that make us laugh at ourselves.