The 'Being Perceived' meme encapsulates a modern internet sentiment centered around existential dread and social anxiety. It highlights the uncomfortable realization that one is a physical being visible to others, often contrasting a desire for internal peace with the external pressure of social observation. While the concept of 'the gaze' has roots in existential philosophy, particularly Jean-Paul Sartre, the meme gained massive popularity on platforms like Tumblr and Twitter around 2019. It typically features overwhelmed characters, blurry figures, or animals attempting to hide to avoid the 'burden' of existence. Today, it remains a staple for introverts and anyone navigating the complexities of digital visibility.