The Hanger Reflex meme stems from a legitimate biological phenomenon known as the haptic illusion, where pressure applied to the temporal region of the head by a wire coat hanger causes an involuntary rotation of the neck. While documented in medical studies as early as the 1990s, it surged in internet popularity through TikTok and YouTube challenges where users film their surprised reactions to the effect. The meme template typically captures the bizarre, puppet-like movement of the subject, often used to joke about being controlled by external forces or the weird ways the human body functions. It combines elements of physical comedy with a touch of DIY science, making it a staple for reaction-style content across social media platforms.