The 'Free Hugs' meme originated from the 2004 'Free Hugs Campaign' initiated by Juan Mann in Sydney, which sought to promote kindness through random acts of affection. While the initial viral video in 2006 was heartwarming, the internet quickly recontextualized the imagery for comedic effect. In meme culture, the 'Free Hugs' sign is often held by scary, unhinged, or ironic characters to create a sense of irony or a 'it's a trap' vibe. It remains a staple for social commentary and boundary-setting, frequently appearing in image macros where the character holding the sign is the last person you would actually want to hug.