Chances are, if you're active on social media, you've come across the 'Laughing Face, Serious Face' meme at least once. This simple yet hilarious internet meme has taken social media platforms by storm. So, what's the story behind this meme, and why does it keep popping up in our feeds?
The 'Laughing Face, Serious Face' meme, also known as 'distracted boyfriend' or 'catching feels' meme, originated from a stock photo featuring a Spanish guy looking back at his girlfriend while shopping at a market. The meme typically uses this photo to illustrate the concept of prioritizing something but being distracted by something else, often humorously exaggerating to humorous effect.
The Origins of the Meme
As with many viral internet sensations, the origins of the 'Laughing Face, Serious Face' meme are a bit hazy. The ursprünglichen photo, taken by Antonio Guillem for Shutterstock, was posted in 2015. However, the meme didn't start gaining traction until 2017. Many online communities credit the creation of the meme to a 4chan post, which used the image and added the captions "Me. Distracted." and "Them. Our Lord and Savior."
The meme quickly spread to other platforms and cultures, with various permutations popping up across the internet. Today, it's a staple of internet humor, with even celebrities getting in on the action.
Versatile and Relatable
The 'Laughing Face, Serious Face' meme's popularity can be attributed to its versatility. The meme can be used to describe nearly any situation where one is torn between two choices, making it relatable to a wide audience. It can be about anything from dating to work to deciding what to watch on Netflix. Its memetic nature allows it to spread quickly and encourage user participation.
For instance, it can be used to poke fun at yourself for multitasking ('Me. Distracted.') or to joke about infidelity ('Them. Our Lord and Savior.'). In some forms, it's even used to discuss friendship or gay relationships ('Us. Gay.'). The meme's ability to be adapted to various situations is what makes it so universal and adaptable.
Evolution and Globalization
As the meme spread across the globe, different cultures and communities put their unique spin on it. In some versions, the girl is replaced with a cat, a car, or even a TV show. In others, the captions are completely changed to fit local dialects or references.
One of the most significant changes to the meme is the inclusion of crossover elements. Now, it's not uncommon to see the 'Laughing Face, Serious Face' meme intersect with other memes, such as 'Berger Face' or 'Fat Thor'. These crossovers keep the meme fresh and continue to attract viewers.
The Meme in Pop Culture
When a meme becomes as popular as the 'Laughing Face, Serious Face' meme, it's only a matter of time before it catches the attention of mainstream pop culture. Celebrities, TV shows, and even brands are now using the meme in their content.
In 2018, the official Twitter account for the NBA used the meme to joke about LeBron James going after a loose ball. In the same year, J.K. Rowling used a version of the meme to joke about writing 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'. Even Netflix US got in on the action, using the meme to joke about choosing between movies.
Impact on Internet Meme Culture
The 'Laughing Face, Serious Face' meme has had a significant impact on internet meme culture. It has inspired many new memes and formats, such as the 'Me. Distracted' version of other memes or the 'Laughing Face, Serious Face' but with cats. It has also influenced the use of stock photos in memes, encouraging users to look for creative and visually appealing free images.
Moreover, it has become a favorite of internet humorists and comedians, who use its relatability and adaptability to create hilarious content that resonates with their audience. Its versatility allows it to be used for punchlines, setups, or even just to add a bit of extra punch to a joke.
The 'Laughing Face, Serious Face' meme's continued relevance and popularity are a testament to the power of community involvement and the meme's ability to adapt and evolve. As long as there are humans on the internet, there will be reasons to laugh, and this meme will continue making us chuckle. Just remember, the next time you're standing in line for a latte, trying to decide between 'Numbers' and 'Cats of Instagram', it's okay to be distracted. It's human nature, after all.