The 'It's Not a Phase, Mom' meme captures the quintessential moment of adolescent defiance, usually associated with the mid-2000s Emo and Goth subcultures. While the phrase itself has been a staple of parent-child arguments for decades, it became a viral sensation as internet users began applying it to increasingly absurd or hyper-specific obsessions. From drastic fashion changes to niche hobbies that seem permanent at the time, the meme highlights the irony that many 'identities' were indeed just phases—or serves as a badge of honor for those who actually stayed true to their roots. It is widely used to poke fun at one's younger self or to justify a deep commitment to a new, often eccentric, lifestyle.