The 'Guy Chained To Cigarette' meme originates from an anti-smoking advertisement or illustration meant to show the physical and psychological bondage of nicotine addiction. It features a gaunt man literally shackled to a massive, lit cigarette, symbolizing the feeling of being trapped by a vice. On the internet, the image has been repurposed into a versatile metaphor for any self-destructive obsession, from video game addictions and toxic relationships to niche hobbies and doomscrolling. It is a favorite among creators who want to humorously acknowledge their lack of self-control over things they know are bad for them.