Based on the hit manga and anime series by Tomohito Oda, the 'Komi Can't Communicate' meme culture centers around the protagonist, Shouko Komi, and her extreme social anxiety. The memes typically utilize her iconic wide-eyed expression or the notebook she uses to speak with others. Since the series debuted in 2016 and gained massive popularity via its Netflix adaptation, fans have used Komi to illustrate feelings of nervousness, introversion, and the struggle to make '100 friends.' It has become a staple in the anime community for its relatability, often being used to depict 'me IRL' situations where communication feels impossible.