How It Started vs. How It’s Going: The Evolution of Viral Memes

The internet has become a breeding ground for memes, allowing creativity, humor, and satire to flourish in ways that reflect culture, society, and individual experiences. One of the most iconic memes of recent years is the “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” trend. Starting as a simple side-by-side comparison format, this meme has evolved into something far more significant, often used to document progress, transformation, and personal achievements. In this article, we’ll explore the origins, rise, and impact of the “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” meme, tracing its journey from a lighthearted social media trend to a cultural phenomenon.

The Origins of “How It Started vs. How It’s Going”

The “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” meme first appeared on Twitter in 2020, just as the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. It started as a playful comparison format that juxtaposed two images or messages: one representing the past (“How it started”) and another showing the present or future (“How it’s going”). The meme’s simplicity allowed for broad interpretations and adaptability, making it easy for people to participate.

While the meme’s exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, it is widely attributed to social media users sharing their relationship milestones or career accomplishments. The format struck a chord with users looking to highlight personal growth or simply poke fun at their circumstances. What made it stand out was its versatility—it could be both deeply sentimental or sarcastically humorous, depending on the context. The relatability of the meme contributed to its viral spread, encouraging more users to jump on the bandwagon.

The Rise of a Cultural Phenomenon

As the “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” meme gained traction, it expanded beyond its initial relationship and career-related themes. By late 2020, the meme had exploded across social media platforms, with users applying the format to everything from sports highlights to political commentary. Major brands, celebrities, and influencers also caught on, using the meme as a way to engage with their audiences and stay relevant in the fast-paced world of digital marketing.

One reason for the meme’s wide appeal is its ability to encapsulate stories of progress and transformation in a simple, digestible format. The contrast between “How it started” and “How it’s going” often tells a complete story in just two images, making it an ideal format for the fast-scrolling habits of modern social media users. It resonated especially well in a time when people were seeking connection and distraction amid global uncertainty. From lighthearted jokes to inspiring tales of resilience, the meme became a canvas for all kinds of narratives.

How It Became a Platform for Personal Narratives

One of the most profound impacts of the “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” meme is how it became a platform for personal storytelling. Individuals used it to share their journeys—whether it was about overcoming personal struggles, achieving career goals, or celebrating relationships. For many, the meme offered a way to reflect on their growth and inspire others, especially during the difficult times of the pandemic.

For example, many individuals used the format to showcase their health transformations, mental health journeys, or entrepreneurial success stories. In these cases, the meme took on a motivational tone, showing that while the starting point may have been challenging or uncertain, the “How it’s going” side represented triumph and progress. This authentic use of the meme added emotional depth, making it more than just a passing internet fad.

Some celebrities and influencers also used the format to share their personal growth stories, drawing attention to their hardships before fame or success. This gave the meme a broader resonance, showing that everyone, regardless of status, has a journey filled with ups and downs. The accessibility and authenticity of these posts made the meme more relatable and humanizing.

Brands and Businesses Embracing the Trend

As with many viral trends, businesses and brands were quick to capitalize on the popularity of the “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” meme. Companies from various industries, including tech, fashion, and food, used the format to engage with consumers in a more relatable way. Brands like McDonald’s, Netflix, and Nike joined the trend by creating clever and timely versions of the meme that connected their products or services to the current cultural moment.

The meme offered companies an opportunity to humanize their brands. For instance, some companies used it to showcase their humble beginnings (“How it started”) and their growth or success (“How it’s going”). This narrative of progress was particularly effective for startups and small businesses, which could use the meme to highlight their entrepreneurial journey. The meme also allowed brands to engage with younger, meme-savvy audiences in a way that felt authentic and aligned with current social media culture.

Moreover, by participating in the trend, brands showed that they were in tune with what was happening online and capable of engaging in playful, lighthearted content. This helped to build rapport with consumers, especially during a time when the world was seeking more levity and humor in their social media interactions.

Political and Social Commentary

Beyond personal stories and brand marketing, the “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” meme was also adopted for political and social commentary. Many social media users found it an effective way to highlight changes in societal issues, political landscapes, and even climate change. Activists used the format to draw attention to the progress—or lack thereof—in various social movements, creating a powerful juxtaposition between the past and present.

For example, the meme was frequently used to critique political figures or governments, particularly during the 2020 U.S. presidential election and the Black Lives Matter protests. Activists shared images that contrasted initial promises or ideals with current realities, often highlighting hypocrisy or failure. In these instances, the meme became more than just a humorous or motivational tool; it became a form of digital activism, helping to amplify important messages in a way that was easily shareable and accessible.

The meme also found its way into discussions about environmental issues. Climate activists used the format to show the devastating impact of climate change, comparing idyllic past landscapes to their current deteriorated state. This use of the meme served as a powerful reminder of the urgency of environmental action and provided a visual representation of the stakes involved.

The Meme’s Role in Pop Culture

The “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” meme has also carved out a significant place in pop culture. From celebrities to athletes, the meme has been embraced across a wide spectrum of entertainment fields. Music artists used the format to showcase their rise to fame, sports teams highlighted their victories, and actors shared their early auditions compared to their successful roles today.

In the world of sports, teams and athletes have applied the meme to highlight their journeys from underdogs to champions. For example, soccer clubs have used it to document their rise through the ranks, showing their humble beginnings contrasted with moments of victory, such as winning a championship. Fans, too, adopted the meme to celebrate their favorite teams’ achievements or poke fun at rival teams.

In entertainment, the meme has become a tool for nostalgia. Movie studios have used it to promote sequels by showing scenes from the original film alongside shots from the new release. Fans of long-running TV series like Friends or The Office have shared versions of the meme to reflect on how their favorite characters or actors have evolved over the years.

The Future of the “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” Meme

While the “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” meme has enjoyed immense popularity, the nature of memes is inherently fleeting. Trends rise and fall quickly in the fast-paced world of the internet, and it’s difficult to predict how long this meme will remain relevant. However, the meme’s versatility and its ability to adapt to different contexts may allow it to have a longer lifespan than some of its viral predecessors.

The meme has already evolved from its original format to include variations such as “How It Started vs. How It’s Ending,” which offers a more humorous or cynical take on the format. These adaptations suggest that the meme may continue to change and evolve, reflecting the shifting moods and priorities of internet culture.

Given its widespread use across personal, commercial, and political narratives, it’s possible that the core concept of the meme—using a side-by-side comparison to highlight change—will remain popular in some form. Whether it continues to be used in its current format or evolves into something new, the “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” meme has already made a significant impact on digital culture.

Lessons Learned from the Meme’s Popularity

The success of the “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” meme offers valuable insights into why certain trends resonate with internet users. First and foremost, the meme’s appeal lies in its simplicity. Its two-part format is easy to understand and apply to a wide range of situations, making it highly adaptable. This adaptability is crucial for viral trends, as it allows for widespread participation across different platforms and demographics.

Additionally, the meme taps into universal themes of progress, transformation, and growth. Whether used for humor or motivation, these themes are relatable to a broad audience. In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, the meme provides a moment of reflection—whether it’s looking back on personal growth or laughing at how life’s plans have veered off course.

Finally, the meme highlights the power of visual storytelling. In the age of social media, images are often more powerful than words, and the “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” meme leverages this by telling a complete story in just two pictures. It shows how visual content can capture complex ideas in an instant, making it a potent tool for communication in the digital age.

Conclusion: A Snapshot of Progress and Humor

The “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” meme is more than just a fleeting internet trend. It’s a reflection of the human desire to document and share progress, whether personal, societal, or cultural. From its origins as a playful social media trend to its broader use in activism, marketing, and pop culture, the meme has captured the spirit of change in a time of uncertainty. Its staying power lies in its versatility, allowing it to remain relevant across different platforms and contexts. As it continues to evolve, the meme serves as both a snapshot of how far we’ve come and a reminder that there’s always more to the story.

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