The internet is a vast repository of cultural artifacts, and memes are among its most notable exports. One such meme that has become inexorably entwined with internet history is the "things that didn't age well" meme. This format, typically depicted through two images side by side, showcases how societal norms, pop culture references, or even individual careers can evolve over time, often to humorously stark contrast.
Born out of the 'Things That Exist' meme in 2017, 'Things That Didn't Age Well' quickly gained traction due to its relatable and often cringe-inducing portrayals of the passage of time. It's a meme that understands human nature: we love to laugh at the absurdities of the past, whether they belong to pop culture at large or our own personal history.
Origin and Evolution of the Meme
Originating on Reddit, like so many internet memes, 'Things That Didn't Age Well' began as a simple format: a comparison between two images of the same subject, separated by a phrase like "age well" or "age poorly". The first image usually depicted the subject at its peak or at a naive and idealistic stage, while the second image showed it now, often with shades of disappointment,currently more aware of its realities or simply older & wiser.
Over time, the meme has grown and diversified. Now, it's not just about the passage of time, though that's still its core principle. It can also be about shifts in social perceptions, changes in style, or even simple progress that makes past actions look silly or outdated.
Meme Template Variants
The format has spawned numerous variants, each with its unique twist. There's 'Things That Aged Like Wine', which showcases subjects that have improved or become cooler with time. Then there's 'Things That Aged Like Milk', to demonstrate subjects that have quickly spoiled or gone south. And, of course, 'Things That Aged Like Cheese', for those that have obtained a unique flavor or perspective over time.
Each variant follows the same structure of before and after, but they allow for a broader range of interpretations. They're not just about time but about perspective and change, embracing the mutability of humor and culture online.
Memetic Concept Extension
The meme has also spawned related concepts like 'how it started vs. how it's going'. Here, the focus is on personal growth or transformation, rather than societal shifts. It's often used to celebrate achievements or humorously contrast initial aspirations with reality.
Another spin is 'because you said so vs. because it actually matters'. This one highlights the difference between immature justifications and mature reasoning, often using pop culture references or societal norms to illustrate the contrast.
Why It Resonates
'Things That Didn't Age Well' resonates because it taps into universal human experiences. Everyone has looked back at something from their past - a fashion choice, a pop culture obsession, a relationship - and thought, "Wow, that didn't age well." The meme simply gives us a forum to laugh about that shared experience.
It's also a commentary on the pace of change in the digital age. Trends and memes spread so quickly online that it often feels like the world is spinning at light speed. 'Things That Didn't Age Well' is our way of slowing down, looking back, and taking note of how far we've come - or not.
The internet is a vast repository of cultural artifacts, and memes are among its most notable exports. 'Things That Didn't Age Well' is more than just a meme. It's a cross-section of our collective consciousness, a testament to the power of humor to make sense of our rapidly changing world. As we continue to evolve, so too will our memes, and we'll always have formats like this one to laugh at how far we've come.
