The term 'Intellectual Dark Web' was coined by Eric Weinstein and popularized in a 2018 New York Times article to describe a loosely affiliated group of commentators and academics who felt suppressed by mainstream media. Memes surrounding the IDW often poke fun at the group's self-seriousness, their frequent appearances on long-form podcasts, or their specific brand of 'forbidden' discourse. Common templates include the original NYT photoshoot where the figures are peeking out of bushes or parodies of their intense debate styles. Whether used to critique their ideas or celebrate their independent stance, the IDW meme remains a staple of political and cultural commentary across the internet.