Origin Of The This Became This Meme: A Hilarious Evolution

Hey guys, ever stumbled upon a meme so relatable and funny that you just had to share it with everyone you know? Well, the "This became this" meme is exactly that! But where did it all begin? How did this simple yet hilarious format become such a viral sensation? Let's dive into the origin story of this meme and explore its evolution across the internet.

The Genesis of "This Became This"

The "This became this" meme is a versatile and relatable format that humorously illustrates the transformation of something from its initial state to an eventual, often unexpected, outcome. It typically involves two images: the first image represents the starting point, an initial intention, or an expectation, while the second image shows the end result, which is usually absurd, chaotic, or hilariously disappointing. The meme's humor lies in the contrast between the initial plan and the final reality, capturing everyday situations in a way that resonates with a broad audience. The exact origin of the meme is difficult to pinpoint, as many internet trends evolve organically across various platforms and communities. However, its widespread adoption can be traced back to the late 2010s, particularly around 2018 and 2019, when it began to gain traction on platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram. One of the earliest and most recognizable examples featured a picture of a meticulously organized desk labeled "This," followed by a picture of a completely cluttered and chaotic desk labeled "This." This particular iteration perfectly encapsulated the feeling of good intentions gone awry, a sentiment that many people could relate to. The meme quickly evolved from simple before-and-after scenarios to more nuanced and creative interpretations. People began using it to depict everything from the progression of a night out to the stages of a project at work. The adaptability of the format allowed it to be applied to a wide range of contexts, making it incredibly shareable and contributing to its rapid spread. The relatability factor is a key element in the meme's success. Everyone has experienced the frustration of plans derailing or the disappointment of expectations not being met. By visually representing these common experiences in a humorous way, the "This became this" meme taps into a universal sense of shared humanity. This relatability encourages people to share the meme with their friends and followers, further amplifying its reach and solidifying its place in internet culture. Over time, the meme has also benefited from the remix culture of the internet. As people have adapted and reinterpreted the format, they have added their own unique twists and perspectives, keeping the meme fresh and relevant. This constant evolution has allowed it to avoid becoming stale, ensuring that it continues to resonate with new audiences and remain a popular form of online expression. In summary, the "This became this" meme originated from a simple yet powerful concept: the contrast between intention and reality. Its relatability, adaptability, and the remix culture of the internet have all contributed to its widespread adoption and enduring popularity. As long as people continue to experience the gap between what they plan and what actually happens, this meme will likely remain a relevant and humorous reflection of the human condition.

Early Examples and Spread

Delving into the early examples of the "This became this" meme, it's clear that relatability was the driving force behind its initial spread. Think about those times when you started a project with the best intentions, only to find yourself knee-deep in a mess hours later. Or maybe you planned a quiet night in, but it somehow morphed into an impromptu karaoke session with friends. These everyday scenarios are the bread and butter of this meme. One of the earliest and most iconic examples featured, as mentioned earlier, a pristine, organized desk labeled "This," contrasted with a chaotic, cluttered desk labeled "This." This resonated with anyone who's ever attempted to Marie Kondo their workspace, only to succumb to the inevitable entropy of daily life. This simple comparison perfectly captured the struggle between aspiration and reality, making it instantly shareable. From there, the meme began to evolve rapidly. People started applying the format to a wide range of situations, from academic pursuits to social interactions. For instance, an image of a student starting a semester with fresh notebooks and high hopes (This) might be followed by a picture of the same student, bleary-eyed and surrounded by empty energy drink cans, desperately cramming for exams (This). The humor in these examples comes from the stark contrast between the initial optimism and the eventual, often comedically tragic, outcome. Social media platforms played a crucial role in the meme's spread. Twitter, with its concise format and emphasis on shareable content, was a natural breeding ground for the meme. Users quickly adopted the format, creating their own variations and sharing them with their followers. The use of relevant hashtags further amplified the meme's reach, allowing it to be discovered by a wider audience. Reddit, with its community-driven structure and emphasis on niche interests, also contributed to the meme's popularity. Subreddits dedicated to memes provided a platform for users to share, discuss, and remix the "This became this" format. The voting system on Reddit ensured that the most creative and relatable examples rose to the top, further driving the meme's spread. Instagram, with its visual focus, provided another avenue for the meme to gain traction. Users created visually appealing variations of the format, often using high-quality images or humorous illustrations. The shareable nature of Instagram stories also contributed to the meme's virality, allowing it to be easily shared with friends and followers. As the meme spread across these platforms, it began to diversify. People started incorporating references to pop culture, current events, and specific communities. This adaptability allowed the meme to remain relevant and engaging, even as it became more widespread. The early examples of the "This became this" meme demonstrated the power of relatability in online humor. By tapping into common experiences and frustrations, the meme resonated with a broad audience and quickly spread across social media platforms. Its adaptability and the remix culture of the internet ensured that it remained fresh and engaging, solidifying its place in internet culture. In essence, the meme's initial success can be attributed to its ability to capture the humor in everyday life, making it a relatable and shareable form of online expression.

Key Elements of the Meme's Popularity

Several key elements contributed to the "This became this" meme's explosive popularity. At its core, the meme thrives on relatability. We've all been there – starting with grand plans that somehow devolve into hilarious messes. This universal experience is what makes the meme so shareable. Think about the times you've seen a meme perfectly capture a situation you've been in. It's like a virtual nod of understanding, and that's a powerful connection. The simplicity of the format is another crucial factor. You don't need to be a meme expert to understand or create one. The basic structure of two contrasting images is easy to grasp, making it accessible to a wide audience. This low barrier to entry encourages participation and creativity, leading to a constant stream of new and original content. The versatility of the meme is also a major advantage. It can be applied to virtually any situation, from personal struggles to global events. This adaptability allows the meme to remain relevant and engaging, even as trends come and go. Whether it's about the progression of a coding project, the stages of a relationship, or the evolution of a political debate, the "This became this" format can be adapted to fit the narrative. The humor is, of course, a critical component. The meme often highlights the absurdity of everyday life, finding humor in unexpected outcomes and the gap between intention and reality. This comedic element makes the meme enjoyable to consume and share, contributing to its virality. The use of visuals is also key. The meme relies on images to convey its message, making it easy to understand and share across different languages and cultures. Visuals are inherently more engaging than text alone, and the contrasting images in the "This became this" format create a striking and memorable effect. The role of social media cannot be overstated. Platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram provided the perfect environment for the meme to spread rapidly. The shareable nature of these platforms, combined with the meme's relatability and simplicity, created a viral loop that propelled it to widespread popularity. The meme's remixability is another important factor. People love to put their own spin on existing memes, adding new references, jokes, and perspectives. This constant evolution keeps the meme fresh and engaging, preventing it from becoming stale. The ability to adapt and reinterpret the format ensures that it continues to resonate with new audiences and remain a popular form of online expression. In essence, the "This became this" meme's popularity can be attributed to a combination of factors: its relatability, simplicity, versatility, humor, visual appeal, social media presence, and remixability. These elements work together to create a meme that is both enjoyable and easy to share, making it a staple of internet culture.

Evolution and Variations

Over time, the evolution and variations of the "This became this" meme have showcased its incredible adaptability. What started as a simple before-and-after comparison has morphed into a diverse range of formats, each with its own unique spin. One common variation involves using the meme to depict the stages of a process. For example, the "This" image might show a person starting a workout routine, while the "This" image shows them exhausted and sprawled on the couch. This type of variation often highlights the challenges and struggles of achieving a goal, adding a layer of relatability and humor. Another popular variation involves using the meme to compare expectations versus reality. The "This" image might show a perfectly styled Instagram photo, while the "This" image shows the messy, unedited reality behind the scenes. This type of variation often critiques the curated nature of social media, offering a more authentic and humorous perspective. The meme has also been adapted to incorporate references to specific fandoms and communities. For example, fans of a particular TV show might create a "This became this" meme to illustrate the evolution of a character or plotline. These types of variations often appeal to a niche audience, creating a sense of shared humor and camaraderie. The use of different media formats has also contributed to the meme's evolution. While the original meme typically featured two static images, people have started incorporating GIFs, videos, and even interactive elements. These multimedia variations add a new layer of engagement, making the meme even more dynamic and shareable. The meme has also been used to comment on current events and social issues. For example, during a political election, people might create a "This became this" meme to illustrate the promises made by a candidate versus the reality of their actions. These types of variations often spark discussion and debate, highlighting the meme's potential as a form of social commentary. The meme's evolution has also been influenced by the changing landscape of social media. As new platforms and features emerge, people have found creative ways to adapt the "This became this" format. For example, the rise of TikTok has led to the creation of short-form video variations of the meme, often set to trending audio clips. The meme's adaptability has allowed it to remain relevant and engaging, even as internet culture continues to evolve. Its ability to be remixed and reinterpreted ensures that it will continue to resonate with new audiences for years to come. In summary, the evolution and variations of the "This became this" meme have demonstrated its incredible versatility and adaptability. From simple before-and-after comparisons to complex multimedia creations, the meme has evolved to reflect the changing landscape of internet culture. Its ability to be remixed and reinterpreted ensures that it will continue to be a popular and engaging form of online expression.

The Enduring Appeal

So, what accounts for the enduring appeal of the "This became this" meme? Why does it continue to resonate with audiences across the internet, even after years of countless variations and adaptations? The answer lies in its fundamental ability to tap into universal human experiences. At its core, the meme is about the gap between intention and reality, a gap that we all encounter in our daily lives. Whether it's the struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the challenges of navigating relationships, or the frustrations of pursuing a career, we all know what it's like to start with a plan and end up somewhere completely different. The meme's relatability is a key factor in its enduring appeal. When we see a "This became this" meme that perfectly captures a situation we've been in, it's like a virtual high-five. We feel understood, validated, and connected to others who have had similar experiences. This sense of shared humanity is a powerful force in online culture, and it's what makes the meme so shareable. The meme's simplicity is another important factor. It doesn't require any specialized knowledge or skills to understand or create. The basic structure of two contrasting images is easy to grasp, making it accessible to a wide audience. This low barrier to entry encourages participation and creativity, leading to a constant stream of new and original content. The meme's versatility also contributes to its enduring appeal. It can be applied to virtually any situation, from personal struggles to global events. This adaptability allows the meme to remain relevant and engaging, even as trends come and go. Whether it's about the progression of a coding project, the stages of a relationship, or the evolution of a political debate, the "This became this" format can be adapted to fit the narrative. The meme's humor is, of course, a critical component. It often highlights the absurdity of everyday life, finding humor in unexpected outcomes and the gap between intention and reality. This comedic element makes the meme enjoyable to consume and share, contributing to its virality. The meme's ability to evolve and adapt is also crucial to its enduring appeal. As internet culture changes, the meme has been able to keep up, incorporating new references, formats, and trends. This constant evolution ensures that it remains fresh and engaging, preventing it from becoming stale. In summary, the enduring appeal of the "This became this" meme can be attributed to a combination of factors: its relatability, simplicity, versatility, humor, and ability to evolve. These elements work together to create a meme that is both enjoyable and easy to share, making it a staple of internet culture. As long as people continue to experience the gap between intention and reality, this meme will likely remain a relevant and humorous reflection of the human condition.

So, there you have it! From its humble beginnings to its widespread adoption, the "This became this" meme has proven to be a true internet phenomenon. Its relatability, versatility, and humor have made it a favorite among meme-lovers worldwide. And who knows? Maybe you'll be the one to create the next viral variation!