The Laser Background Portraits meme celebrates the peak of 1980s and early 1990s school photography aesthetics, characterized by vibrant neon light beams crossing behind a subject. These portraits became a viral sensation as people began sharing their most awkward childhood photos online, highlighting the contrast between the high-energy 'futuristic' background and the often uncomfortable or overly serious poses of the students. Over time, the template evolved to include pets, celebrities, and fictional characters, serving as a universal symbol for dorky nostalgia, unintended hilarity, and the specific brand of confidence that only a turtleneck and a laser grid can provide.