Everyone’s mood is going from :( to :) in this latest meme
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Everyone’s mood is going from :( to :) in this latest meme

It’s all about that sparkle.

@xoxokatiejo

Alyse Stanley—

As a text-based platform, Twitter’s always been a hotbed for ASCII art, but this month it seems like its users have gone into overdrive. First people started serving the tea in images of tea. Then last year’s bunnies came back buffer than ever, not to ask if  “u want this” or broadcast hot takes on signs but to protect a very smol bun.

Now users are spicing up a boring old textual meme with literal sparkles —along with every emoji under the sun.

https://twitter.com/jeaIousguy/status/1100850818536886272

https://twitter.com/fosterlovelyy/status/1100804692433649664

https://twitter.com/xoxokatiejo/status/1100414081574547456

Earlier this month, users began posting the same formula on Twitter without all the flare, detailing how their favorite song lyrics, pets, or movies perked them up. Most of the time, remembering a celebrity or loved one simply existed was enough to turn that frown upside-down.

While a few Twitter users began being extra af with the format early last week, it took a call out to all astrology lovers for the meme to really pick up steam.

https://twitter.com/AcridAmora/status/1098026829519224832

Many users intersperse the ASCII sparkles with names of their favorite fictional character or celebrity, while others showcase song lyrics they adore.

https://twitter.com/pinkdere/status/1100950458401738754

https://twitter.com/slut4rog/status/1100878077075308544

Others…well, let’s just say things got dark pretty fast, even by Twitter standards.

https://twitter.com/jonnysun/status/1101028287147466752

But of course, Twitter memes can never be contained in one formula. They mutate and branch off into endless variations, taking on a life of their own. Recently, users have begun building elaborate scenery between their mood shifts.

https://twitter.com/fatcherhorowitz/status/1100404145931079680

https://twitter.com/acuteleaf/status/1100180723338801154

https://twitter.com/dubstep4dads/status/1100138416103026689

Does this mean all of Twitter’s text memes are going to be blessed with ASCII art iterations? One can only hope.

Alyse Stanley

Alyse Stanley

Alyse Stanley is a video game and culture reporter based in Virginia with words at Polygon and USGamer. When she’s not writing about memes, she edits Unwinnable’s monthly magazine. You can follow her on Twitter @pithyalyse.

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