The internet speaks a visual language, and few phrases have resonated as powerfully as the always has been meme. What started as a crude MS Paint drawing has evolved into a sophisticated template for questioning reality, mocking conspiracy theories, and commenting on the human condition.
This guide explores the history of this viral phenomenon, its statistical impact on digital engagement, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping how we create and consume memes.
The Origins: From Ohio to the Cosmos
The “Always Has Been” format, often referred to as “Wait, It’s All Ohio?”, follows a specific trajectory:
- 2016: An MS Paint drawing appears on Reddit, featuring two astronauts looking at a flat Earth.
- 2018: An anonymous 4chan user updates the template to reveal that the Earth is solely comprised of the United States.
- 2019-2020: The meme explodes in popularity with the “Ohio vs. the World” variation.
- 2020: A more realistic, high-quality render of the astronauts (created by Redditor nickslicktricks) cements the meme’s place in history.
The Anatomy of a Viral Hit
Why do certain images stick while others fade? Researchers have begun analyzing memes with the same scrutiny applied to art history.
In a recent case study on the “AI Creation Meme”—a digital remix of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam—researchers analyzed 79 distinct variations to understand their impact. They found that design choices directly influence emotional response. For example, memes utilizing a dominant blue color palette tended to evoke feelings of trust and intelligence, aligning with established technology branding.
The “Always Has Been” meme uses a similar psychological hook. It combines the vast, isolating imagery of space (existential dread) with the absurdity of a hyper-specific punchline (humor), creating a contrast that drives shareability.
Meme Statistics and Impact
Memes are no longer just for entertainment; they are a high-performance communication tool. Data shows that meme-based content significantly outperforms traditional media in capturing attention.
| Metric | Traditional Ads | Meme Marketing |
| Engagement Rate | ~1% (Click-through rate) | 30% (Social media engagement) |
| Daily Consumption | Varies by channel | 20-30 memes (Average Millennial) |
| Trust Factor | Low (Perceived as salesy) | High (Perceived as authentic) |
| Creation Cost | High (Professional design) | Low (AI or template-based) |
From Gaming to Politics
The versatility of the “Always Has Been” template allowed it to migrate across subcultures.
- Gaming: It became a staple in communities for Among Us and Minecraft, used to reveal “hidden truths” about game mechanics or lore.
- Politics: The format is frequently used for political satire. The astronaut holding the gun represents the harsh realization of a political reality, allowing users to comment on corruption, historical revisionism, or policy failures without writing a manifesto.
AI and the Future of Memes
As meme culture expands, the barrier to entry is lowering thanks to artificial intelligence. Tools like Supermeme.ai allow users to generate memes from simple text prompts in over 110 languages, making humor globally accessible instantly.
This speed is crucial because internet slang moves fast. If you have ever looked at a comment section and searched for the gmfu meaning (“got me f***ed up”), you understand how quickly digital language evolves. AI tools help creators keep up with these shifts, allowing for the rapid production of content that matches the current cultural lexicon.
Ethical and Cultural Implications
Memes are effectively post-secular narratives. Just as the “AI Creation Meme” explores the intersection of religion and technology, the “Always Has Been” meme explores post-humanist themes. It questions our perception of reality and truth in a digital age. When an astronaut looks at Earth and sees only a single entity (whether it’s Ohio, a video game map, or a political figure), it reflects our anxieties about how technology shapes our worldview.
Why Memes Matter
Memes remain the ultimate intercessor between complex cultural shifts and human understanding. They distill complicated feelings, betrayal, realization, absurdity, into a single, digestible image. Whether you are a marketer looking for 30% engagement or a user looking to laugh at the state of the world, the meme is a tool that isn’t going away. In fact, it always has been here.t.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the “Always Has Been” meme?
It originated in 2016 as an MS Paint comic on Reddit but went viral in 2019-2020 with the “Wait, It’s All Ohio?” variation featuring two astronauts in space.
Why are memes effective for marketing?
Memes generate up to 30% engagement on social media compared to 1% for traditional ads because they are viewed as authentic, relatable, and entertaining rather than promotional.
Can AI generate memes automatically?
Yes. Platforms like Supermeme.ai use Large Language Models (LLMs) to convert text prompts into memes and can support over 110 languages.
What does “GMFU” mean in text slang?
“GMFU” stands for “Got Me F***ed Up.” It is used to express disbelief, irritation, or annoyance at a situation or a person’s behavior.
What makes the “Always Has Been” meme unique?
It follows a specific “phrasal template” (snowclone) that combines existential dread with absurd humor, allowing it to be adapted for nearly any topic, from gaming to politics.
