The 'Before 2016 vs. After 2016' meme represents a collective internet sentiment that the world underwent a drastic, almost surreal transformation starting in mid-2016. Often pinpointing the death of Harambe the gorilla as the nexus point or catalyst, the meme contrasts the perceived stability and relative normalcy of the early 2010s against the political polarization, global crises, and high-speed internet absurdity of the following years. Users utilize this template to express nostalgia for the good old days or to humorously highlight how strange and chaotic modern life has become. Whether comparing fashion, music, or the general vibe of existence, this meme captures the feeling of living through a historical turning point that many feel changed the world forever.