how it started how it’s going

"How it started, how it's going" is a popular internet meme format that compares two contrasting images or states—typically showing an initial hopeful or humble beginning alongside a current outcome that is either humorous, disappointing, or dramatically different. The format, which gained widespread use on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), is commonly used for self-deprecating humor, documenting personal transformations, or commenting on broader social trends and events.

Source: Cohere (X) | 2026-05-28