The 'Early? I'd Better Make A Joke' meme perfectly encapsulates the internal monologue of anyone who suffers from the pressure of being the first arrival in a social setting. It typically portrays a character entering a room or sitting in a void, realizing they have time to kill before others arrive, and deciding that an awkward joke is the best way to bridge the gap. While often associated with professional environments like office meetings or digital conference calls, the template has evolved to represent general social overthinking. Its popularity stems from its deep relatability, highlighting how we use humor as a defense mechanism to mask the discomfort of silence or being the center of attention before a crowd gathers.